Reigning-IFL Offensive Rookie of the Year Josh Jones enters his first season with the Bay Area Panthers in 2025. Like Panthers Head Coach Rob Keefe and offensive coordinator Rod Windsor, Jones comes to Bay Area from the Northern Arizona Wranglers.
With the Wranglers, Jones produced a remarkable campaign in 2024. As noted, he was awarded league OROY honors while guiding Northern Arizona to 47.5 PPG behind 2,912 passing yards (62.9%) and 56 touchdowns; both of the latter figures ranked third in the Indoor Football League.
Jones—who stands at 6-foot-3—is also a threat with his legs. Last season, he rushed for 21 scores. From there, he touted the rock for a total of 671 (5.2 AVG) yards on the ground. Look for him to continue making dynamic plays at San Jose’s SAP Center.
Prior to debuting in the IFL, Jones was a member of the Canadian Football League. He spent the 2023 campaign with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers.
Collegiately, Jones was a five-year starter at UNC Pembroke, studying Sports Administration. He had an exceptional football career for the Braves, showcasing a 70-34 TD-INT ratio over 46 total games played.
Additionally, he amassed over 10,000 passing yards in college. A chunk of that came in a 2022 meeting with Concord University wherein Jones threw for a UNCP-record 459 yards and three tuddies.
When asked about Jones signing with the Panthers last October, Bay Area HC Keefe exclaimed, “Josh is a gifted quarterback, who sees the field extremely well, and his arm talent jumps off the tape immediately.”
Jones is a native of Wilmington, NC. During his prep days, he attended and played for John T. Hoggard High School. His senior season, he was named conference offensive player of the year after tossing the pigskin for 2,836 yards and 43 touchdowns on 67% passing.
In all, Jones twice earned all-area honors in football. Away from the gridiron, he also lettered for the Vikings in basketball as well as track & field. He is the eldest of three children and a natural leader.
Currently, Jones spends his summers competing in the IFL, but since 2023, he has coached college football in the fall. He is the running backs/assistant head coach at Fort Lewis College in Durango, CO.
