Olympic 5-on-5 Flag Football Team: College Edition

Originally posted on Mike Farrell Sports
By Mark Pszonak | Last updated May 21, 2025 12:23 PM ET

With it becoming official that the NFL will allow its players to compete in 5-on-5 Flag Football at the 2028 Olympics, here is a look at the best options for a team compromised entirely of current college football players.

5-on-5 flag football consists of a quarterback, running back, two wide receivers and a center, who can go out as a receiver after snapping the ball. For the sake of this team, I will be choosing one quarterback, one running back and three wide receivers.

QB John Mateer (Oklahoma)

At the quarterback position, since height doesn’t really matter and quick feet/athleticism do, Mateer is the choice. Prior to his transfer to Oklahoma, Mateer proved his accuracy (64.6%) and running ability (826 yards, 15 touchdowns). Cade Klubnik was also seriously considered.

WR Jeremiah Smith (Ohio State)

Probably the most obvious pick on the team. A matchup nightmare in pads or without pads, even at 6-foot-3 and 215-pounds, he is elusive enough to dominate. And considering his current trajectory, it isn’t out of the question that he is on the first American team in 2028.

WR Ryan Williams (Alabama)

At 6-foot-0, 175-pounds, Williams is a big play threat during every snap as he proved as a true freshman with the Tide. His skillset would seamlessly translate to the flag football field.

Sep 14, 2024; Madison, Wisconsin, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide wide receiver Ryan Williams (2) during the game against the Wisconsin Badgers at Camp Randall Stadium.© Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images

WR Eric Singleton Jr. (Auburn)

I almost went with Jordyn Tyson or Kevin Concepcion for different reasons but instead chose Singleton. The main reason Singleton was chosen was his speed. Prior to his transfer to Auburn, he ran track at Georgia Tech, where he had a personal best of 10.32 seconds in the 100-meter dash. Speed kills on a flag football field.

RB Desmond Reid (Pittsburgh)

While there is no need for a big powerful back in flag football, Nicholas Singleton was almost the choice anyway due to his footwork and receiving skills. But Reid makes more sense due to his shiftiness, hands and burst.

This article first appeared on Mike Farrell Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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