2021 (spring): All-MVFC First-Team selection at noseguard ... often commanding double teams, still led the Redbirds in tackles on the season with 22, including 14 solo stops … was also credited with 3.0 TFLs, three quarterback hurries, a pass breakup and an interception … had a season-high seven tackles, a TFL and also batted down a pass that fell into his arms for an interception against South Dakota … had a TFL and six tackles at UNI … had four solo tackles and a TFL at North Dakota State
2019: All-Missouri Valley Football Conference Honorable Mention selection ... started all 15 games at nose guard for the Redbirds, who ranked No. 4 in the country in scoring defense (16.0) and No. 1 in sacks (52) … finished the season with 50 tackles, including 28 solo stops, and had three TFLs while often demanding double teams in the middle of the defensive front … also credited with two pass breakups and a forced fumble … posted a career-high nine tackles against No. 1 North Dakota State … had eight tackles and a TFL in the season opener at Northern Illinois … recorded a TFL and five tackles in the season finale at Youngstown State.
2018: Named a FCS Freshman All-America selection by Phil Steele ... Missouri Valley Football Conference All-Newcomer Team pick ... played in all 11 games, with 10 starts at the nose guard position … vital component of the ISU rushing defense that was second in the conference allowing just 126.8 yards per contest … recorded 30 tackles on the season, including nine solo stops … also added a sack and 2.0 TFLs … returned a fumble 32 yards in the season finale against Youngstown State … recorded a sack and six tackles at Missouri State … tied career-high with six stops at North Dakota State … had four tackles and a half TFL in the victory at Colorado State.
2017: Redshirted.
Bloomington HS: Three-time varsity letterwinner for football under coaches Rigo Schmelzer and Joe Walters … All Big-12 offensive line selection and all-state defensive line selection in 2017 … Four-year letterwinner in wrestling, winning the Illinois state championship title in 2017 after placing fourth at the championships in 2016 … Competed in the shot put and discus during his sophomore and senior years … Named Bloomington High School’s Athlete of the Year in 2017 … Also participated in Bass Fishing as a freshman.
Personal: Full name is John Robert Ridgeway, III … Son of Katie and John Ridgeway, Jr. … Has a younger sister, Grace ... Born May 7, 1999 in Bloomington, Ill. … Intended major is criminal justice.
