Boston College will not play another home game during the 2025 college football season. The seniors who are scheduled to graduate in the spring played their final game at Alumni Stadium on Saturday.
Players who dedicated their last four years to the program are forced to come to grips with a new reality.
With that real in mind, Shane Hanafin chose to spend a few extra moments on the field by himself with only his thoughts and memories. It led to one of the lasting images of the college football season.
Boston College will not make a bowl game.
After back-to-back seven-win seasons, Boston College is not going to play in the postseason this year. They currently sit at 1-10 after a loss to Georgia Tech on Saturday and close out the season with a road game at Syracuse.
The Eagles will hope to finish a difficult season on a high note with a win against the Orange in two weeks but that will be their final game regardless of the outcome. They also will not play another game in Chestnut Hill. Saturday was the final opportunity for the graduating class to play at home.
Unfortunately, Senior Day did not go the way Boston College hoped. Georgia Tech scored 19 points during the fourth quarter to secure a two-point victory.
The emotions of college football are real.
Just like in any college sport, these football players dedicate their entire lives (outside of class) to the program. They spend countless hours in the team facility with their best friends. Even the little things, like meals around campus, are memories they will share forever. Dennis Clifford famously said it best.
That can be a hard reality for seniors. This is their entire life. 24/7/365 for four years.
Thus, one Boston College football player wanted to soak up every last moment after his final home game.
Shane Hanafin, a walk-on quarterback, stayed on the field for more than an hour after the clock hit zero. He at first sat alone in the end zone.
He later moved to the 50-yard-line.
Hanafin was also the only player to stand with the band through the alma mater immediately after the game.
This program means everything to him. These are special moments.
In a world where negativity gets headlines and outrage often drives conversation, a player like Shane Hanafin deserves to be recognized. He kept his head held high. He stood proud to be an Eagle.