A standout student-athlete at Bellefontaine High School is taking his talents to the next level.
Bellefontaine running back and linebacker Carter Caudill recently signed his letter of intent to continue his football career at Ashland University, a Division II program competing in the Great Midwest Athletic Conference.
Caudill was joined by family members, coaches, and supporters during a signing ceremony held in the Sloan Distance Learning Center at Bellefontaine High School.
Caudill said Ashland’s successful football tradition played a major role in his decision. The Eagles captured the Great Midwest Athletic Conference championship last season.
A two-way standout for the Chiefs, Caudill made an impact on both offense and defense throughout his career.
As a running back, he rushed for 1,818 career yards and scored 28 touchdowns. Defensively, he anchored the Chiefs from his middle linebacker position for three seasons, finishing with 322 tackles, 19 tackles for loss, four fumble recoveries, and two defensive touchdowns.
During his sophomore season, Caudill helped lead Bellefontaine to a trip to the state quarterfinals, reaching the Final 8.
His accomplishments extended beyond the field. Caudill earned Academic All-Ohio honors in 2025 and maintained a 3.9 grade point average. He was also named First-Team Central Buckeye Conference in 2024 and earned Second-Team honors as both a sophomore and senior.
His senior season was cut short after a leg injury in Week 6, but it did not slow his pursuit of playing college football.
“Playing college football has been a goal since I was a little kid,” Caudill said. “Getting that opportunity from Ashland fulfills a dream. My goal is to be a four-year contributor.”
Bellefontaine head coach Jason Brown praised Caudill’s commitment to the program.
“Carter sacrificed so much for our program the last few years,” Brown said. “He was an impactful player on both sides of the ball. He’s an outstanding young man and a relentless worker. Carter can do some special things with the ball in his hands, and he’s an excellent blocker.”
Caudill plans to study business management at Ashland. He is the son of Art and Kelly Caudill.
In addition to Ashland, Caudill also considered offers and opportunities from Tiffin University, Wittenberg University, University of Mount Union, Defiance College and Trine University.
