Elijah Ponder, a former Cal Poly defensive end, will join the New England Patriots as a linebacker for Super Bowl LX in his rookie season, after having 24 tackles and four sacks in his first year with the team.
Tag: Elijah Ponder
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Quarterback question looms ahead of Cal Poly Football’s season opener in San Diego
Cal Poly football will embark on their 2025 season with a matchup against a frequent early season foe, the University of San Diego on August 30, with key roles up for grabs throughout their starting lineup. The Mustangs are 5-1 in the last six matchups with the Toreros dating back to 2019, but San Diego […]
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Inside Elijah Ponder’s transition from Cal Poly to New England Patriots camp
Elijah Ponder isn’t the kind of player who’s easily overlooked. In his time with Cal Poly football, he was a relentless force off the edge, known for his tenacity, strength and leadership. Now, the former Mustang defensive end is taking those same traits to Foxborough, Massachusetts as he fights for a roster spot with the […]
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Cal Poly’s Elijah Ponder signs with Patriots as undrafted free agent
Although no Mustangs were selected in the 2025 NFL Draft, one player has found a home as an undrafted free agent. Edge rusher Elijah Ponder signed with the New England Patriots on Saturday and will get a shot to make the team coming out of training camp. Ponder, a Pomona, California native, spent five seasons […]
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Cal Poly Football’s Elijah Ponder to participate in East-West Shrine Bowl
Cal Poly edge rusher Elijah Ponder officially accepted his invite to the 100th East-West Shrine Bowl, announced on Monday. Ponder was named to the Shrine Bowl 1000 watchlist over the summer after leading the Big Sky Conference with 10 sacks in 2023. The Shrine Bowl is considered one of the top college football all-star games […]
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Five Cal Poly Football players earn Big Sky All-Conference awards
Cal Poly Football earned five Big Sky All-Conference awards on Wednesday, with redshirt senior edge rusher Elijah Ponder taking home a first-team defense award. The other Mustangs who were given awards were redshirt sophomore safety Mason Rivera who received an All-Big Sky Second Team Defense award, redshirt senior receiver Giancarlo Woods with an honorable offensive […]
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Cal Poly Football drops season finale to Weber State
Cal Poly football briefly held the lead against Weber State in the third quarter but ultimately lost 28-17 in the 2024 season finale on Saturday at Stewart Stadium. The Mustangs (3-8, 2-6 Big Sky) faced off against the Wildcats (4-8, 3-5 Big Sky), with redshirt sophomore quarterback Richie Watts starting at the helm for the […]
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A Decade of Brotherhood: How high school teammates became Cal Poly Football’s defensive backbone
Brotherhood is a common theme built into the philosophies of football programs of all levels. Strong bonds are built through hardship and earned trust, and the football field creates the conditions for players to form these bonds. Redshirt seniors Ethan Rodriguez and Elijah Ponder have been teammates for nine straight years, dating back to their […]
Posted inGame Recap
Cal Poly Football beats Sacramento State in Senior Night Thriller
After honoring 17 seniors and graduate students pregame, Cal Poly Football defeated Sacramento State 26-23, in a game that went down to the final drive. The Mustangs (3-8, 2-5 Big Sky), needing a win after five straight losses, honored their seniors appropriately in their last home game with a nail-biting victory over the Hornets (3-7, […]
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Cal Poly Football falls short of No. 13 Idaho
Cal Poly put up an impressive effort on the road against the University of Idaho but fell 34-29 on Saturday, Oct. 19 at the Kibbie Dome. The Mustangs (2-5, 1-3 Big Sky) matched up against the No. 13 Vandals (5-3, 2-2 Big Sky), who were 22-point favorites to win the game. Cal Poly is now […]
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Cal Poly Football drops shootout to Idaho State
Cal Poly Football came up just short in a back-and-forth battle with Big Sky Conference opponent Idaho State by a score of 41-38 on Saturday, Oct. 5 at Mustang Memorial Field. The Mustangs (2-3, 1-1 Big Sky) couldn’t find their first 2-0 conference start since 2013 against the Bengals (3-3, 1-1 Big Sky). Redshirt junior […]