POCATELLO, Idaho — Idaho State Athletics announced the six individuals voted into the ISU Athletics Hall of Fame in its 2025 class, earlier this spring. Over the next six weeks, we will introduce the honorees and their accolades that made them deserving of enshrinement in the Idaho State record book.
We would like to introduce and congratulate Dan Taylor from Idaho State Football to the 2025 ISU Sports Hall of Fame Class.
Taylor joined the Bengals in the 1978 football season and became a regular in the Idaho State front five over the four years of his career.
Taylor helped lead the Bengals to the national championship in the 1981 season, earning first team all-conference honors with many of his teammates.
Associate AD for Development and External Relations Crew Keller had this to say on Taylor.
I am writing to you in support of the nomination of Dan Taylor for the Idaho State University Sports Hall of Fame, class of 2025, and am asking for your fullest consideration of his accolades. A talented offensive lineman, Dan was a fixture in the offensive trench during the 1978, 1980, 1981, and 1982 football seasons and arguably the centerpiece of the line on the team's 1981 national championship team. While statistics for the position he played are still rare, certainly being the case during that era, too, it is undeniable that he was a gifted athlete as he earned first team all conference honors as a tackle in 1982 alongside Sports Hall of Fame members Jim Lane and Steve Anderson who were inducted in 2008 and 2019/2020, respectively. Thanks to Dan's efforts and the expertise of Head Coach Dave Kragthorpe, the Bengals offense took to new heights breaking countless records and becoming identified as one of the most high flying offenses in the NCAA I-AA subdivision. Known for his strength, technique, and relentless drive, Dan consistently showcased his ability to protect the quarterback, open lanes for the running backs, and dominate in the trenches. His leadership on the field was instrumental in the success of the team during his time at Idaho State, and, is what helped him land a contract to play professionally with the Dallas Cowboys of the NFL; of note, only four other offensive linemen in ISU history have made it to this level of play. While induction to the Sports Hall of Fame should be based on athletic merit, I will also note that Dan's involvement with his alma mater has grown in recent years to become commendable and appreciated. Which, I am hopeful are actions that can be modeled by all fellow former athletes, especially those who belong to the ISU Sports Hall of Fame. In closing, Dan Taylor's achievements on the field as an offensive lineman for Idaho State University are undeniable. His dedication to the sport, his team, and his university make him an excellent candidate for this prestigious honor. It is clear that his time as a Bengal left a lasting legacy on the university's football program, and it is for this reason that I believe he is a worthy candidate for the Sports Hall of Fame.
Former Idaho State Football Coach Dave Kragrhorpe had this to say about Dan.
I am honored to write in support of Dan Taylor's candidacy for induction into the Idaho State University Sports Hall of Fame. As his position coach and as his head coach during his time at ISU, I had the privilege of witnessing firsthand Dan's incredible work ethic, leadership, and talent on and off the field. A four-year starter for us, Dan's contributions were invaluable, and he was undeniably one of the cornerstones of our team during his career and a large part of what helped us win the 1981 National Football Championship. His recognition as a First Team All-Big Sky Conference honoree in his senior year, combined with his preseason All-American status, are testaments to the remarkable player he was and the hard work he put into perfecting his craft. Dan's dedication, both as an athlete and a teammate, left an indelible mark on the program. He led by example, consistently performing at the highest level while inspiring those around him to do the same. His achievements during his time at Idaho State University stand as a legacy of excellence, and I have no doubt that he is more than deserving of this prestigious honor. It is with great pride that I support his induction into the ISU Sports Hall of Fame.
Finally, teammate Arnie Bagley had this to say about Taylor.
I firmly believe Dan Taylor should be in the Hall of Fame at Idaho State University. I don't think I ever observed any player during my time that worked as hard as he did on and off the field, be it at games or practice. Dan was passionate about the game, but he truly wanted to provide for his family and be the best representative he could be for Idaho State Football. A lot of people that we played with, including myself, couldn't understand why he worked so hard, but he couldn't help himself because football was something that he was truly great at and he thought that would be his contribution to the world. Some people disliked him, but I believe that was because they didn't understand him. We were roommates for three years and every once in a while, we had a beer but that only added to his frame, HA! I believe when he was a freshman he weighed around 220 pounds, however, by the time we were seniors in the fall of 1982, he was a solid 285 pounds, and, ran a 4.87 in the 40-yard dash. In addition to his frame and his natural ability, the 1981 national championship put his name on the board because NFL scouts realized that our quarterback, Mike Machurek, would not be standing upright without his left tackle. After being brought into the spotlight, Dan earned first team all conference honors the following season and later earned a shot at playing for the Dallas Cowboys. Thank you for considering my friend, my teammate, but most importantly, one of the greatest offensive lineman in the history of ISU Football, for the Sports Hall of Fame
