Arabic Nameplate First For College Football At WMU

College football kicked off Labor Day weekend for most schools across the country. Western Michigan University had an NCAA first.

As college football expands with the rise of NIL deals, schools are scouting talent from a wider range of locations than ever before, introducing new names to team rosters and jerseys.

College Football in Michigan Opening Weekend

I am a huge fan of pro football, but there is something special about watching college football. The intensity of the players, coaches, and fans make the games more exciting. I think I've seen more incredible comebacks in college football than in all my years of watching pro football.

The 2025 college football season has begun with most of Michigan's top schools getting a win on opening weekend.

• University of Michigan 34-17 over New Mexico
• Grand Valley State University 45-9 over Lincoln
• Ferris State 34-17 over Pittsburg State University
• Central Michigan 16-14 over San Jose State
• Michigan State University 23-6 over Western Michigan University

Western Michigan is one of the state's top colleges for football, and unfortunately for them, they didn't come up with a win. WMU made history during their opening game.

Read More: Join 979 GRD for Detroit Watch Parties All Season

WMU Makes History With Arabic Name On Player’s Jersey

Several Arabic players have played college football, and some have gone on to play in the NFL. There was one thing an Arab player had never done, and that was have their nameplate with the player's name written in Arabic script.

Western Michigan University's Mustafi Al-Garawi is now the first student-athlete to have Arabic displayed on his jersey's nameplate.

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