In February, former Cal Poly football standout Elijah Ponder became the latest Mustang to take his talents to the Super Bowl as a linebacker for the New England Patriots. Though the Patriots didn’t win the championship, the experience capped a strong rookie season for Ponder, who made 24 combined tackles and four sacks across 15 games.

As an architectural engineering student, Ponder had a legendary career as a defensive end for Cal Poly from 2021-24, where he earned first-team All-Big Sky Conference honors twice and was named a Walter Camp FCS All-American. He ranks third in program history with 27 sacks, first in quarterback hurries with 44, and fifth in tackles for loss with 43.5. Ponder signed an undrafted free-agent contract with New England shortly after the 2025 NFL Draft.

A slew of Mustangs has played in the Super Bowl and earned championship rings, including linebacker Mel Kaufman, defensive back LeCharls McDaniel, wide receivers J.J. Koski and Ramses Barden, cornerback Asa Jackson and coach John Madden.