ASHLAND'S NATHAN BERNHARD COMMITS TO APPALACHIAN STATE UNIVERSITY

Ashland’s Nathan Bernhard Commits to Appalachian State University

ASHLAND, OH – April 25, 2025

A long time coming. Nathan Bernhard’s long-awaited announcement has been made. Ashland High School’s signal caller has officially committed to Appalachian State University, announcing his decision Friday afternoon as he and the Arrows prepare for a highly anticipated senior campaign.

Bernhard, a standout on and off the field, has been the full-time driving force behind the Arrows’ offense for the past two years. Known for his poise in the pocket, athleticism, strong arm, and high football IQ, the 6’6” 230 lb QB caught the attention of several high-level college programs across the country, receiving his first offer from Penn State as a Freshman.

The list quickly grew to include Power Four schools like Michigan, Michigan State, Indiana, West Virginia, Duke, Iowa State, and Louisville – also drawing offers from several highly respected Group of Five programs. Something unprecedented in North Central Ohio despite the rich football history of the area.

While the likes of Ohio State, Michigan and others have come knocking, ultimately, it was the Mountaineers who won him over. 

“I’m excited to have a home.,” Bernhard said. “The coaches, the culture, the energy. I’m excited to be part of what they’re building.”

In the age of NIL, the transfer portal, roster limits and a college football recruitment process wildly different than just 2 years ago, it is never taken for granted to find a place to call home and play at the highest level. 

For his family, the road to this decision has been just as special. “The recruitment process is a rollercoaster, very back-and-forth,” said Dr. Matthew Bernhard, Nathan’s father. “A very emotional ride, but he handled it very well. It was an honor and privilege to even be considered for a Division I college football program. I wouldn't change a thing.”

The ups and downs of the journey only made the moment sweeter, as the Bernhards celebrated Nathan’s commitment knowing just how much time, sacrifice, and perseverance had led to it.

What they’re building was a major factor in Bernhard’s decision. Appalachian State revamped its coaching staff on top of a program already with a rich tradition of winning, which includes first-year Head Coach Dowell Loggains alongside Associate Head Coach Clyde Christensen. Most recently, Loggains served as the offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach at South Carolina, where he first met Bernhard and where his offense ranked among the top in the SEC. 

Prior to South Carolina, he spent 16 years in the NFL, holding offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach positions with the Tennessee Titans, Cleveland Browns, Chicago Bears, Miami Dolphins, and New York Jets. Christensen was instrumental in the development of players like Tom Brady, Peyton Manning, Andrew Luck, Marvin Harrison and Jameis Winston during his 45-year career.

“The chance to be coached by guys who’ve been at the highest level of the game—that’s appealing,” Bernhard said. “It means they’re proven. It means that the coaching you’re gonna get is proven work and that they know how to win football games.” From the sounds of the reception his commitment received, the coaching staff is equally as confident that they found their next guy. Bernhard will serve as one of the highest rated HS recruits to head to Boone in its long history.

Pairing Bernhard with Loggains and Christensen, who have as decorated resumes as any coach in the nation when it comes to grooming young QB’s, will only help continue to develop his talents. “He’s an athlete that has a ceiling that’s not even close to being touched. I think the coaches see a 6’6” frame and agility that they can work with,” said Dr. Bernhard. “Nathan is just scratching the surface.”

Bernhard wants to play, and he wants to play early. Loggains and the rest of the staff are eager to get him in the building and believe the young field general will be in the mix early to begin what is hoped to be a long and successful tenure in Boone together. 

Bernhard’s QB coach, Brad Maendler, has been working with him since his eighth grade season and has no doubt that Bernhard will thrive in that environment.

“He’s somebody who you want representing your program.” Maendler said. “He’s very even keel, not too high and not too low. He handles everything on and off the field with a lot of grace.”

AHS head football coach Scott Valentine echoed that sentiment, saying, “He’s the hardest worker on our team right now. He’s learned the game of football and what it means to be great. He’s learned how to slow the game down just because of the work he’s put in. How he processes the game allows him to play at a high level.” 

What was huge with this decision was providing him some closure for now. With his college now behind him, Bernhard turns his full attention to his senior season, where expectations are sky-high for him and the Arrows. 

Just this past Fall, Bernhard threw for 2,895 yards and 24 touchdowns, completing over 60% of his passes while adding 1,221 rushing yards and 22 rushing touchdowns on the ground. He led Ashland to a 12-1 record and a trip to the Division II regional semifinals, earning First-Team All-Ohio honors, as well as North West District Offensive Player of the Year, Ohio Cardinal Conference OPOY, and Times Gazette POY. 

Appalachian State is getting a competitor, a student of the game, and a young man ready to rise and compete. A cultural fit, in a day where culture is hard to find.

“I'm grateful for all the people who helped me get to this point—my mom, dad, Zach [older brother] and my whole family. My coaches have done their best to support me throughout this, and all my teammates.” Bernhard said.

His mother, Tricia Bernhard added, “It’s been such a joy to watch him grow—not just as an athlete, but as a person. He’s constantly thinking about what he needs to do to get better. As a parent, to see your kid working hard towards a goal like that, it’s really rewarding.”

Ashland fans will have one more Fall to watch their QB1 in action, and if his past performance is any indication of what’s to come, Nathan Bernhard is ready to leave it all on the field—before taking the next step in Boone.