Will Shaffer had a decision to make. The linebacker transferred to Utah State after spending four years at Arizona State as a fixture on special teams and periodic appearances as a backup for the Sun Devils. But he wanted more. Shaffer had one year of eligibility left and wanted to be a starter or at least play regular snaps on defense. So, the grad transfer arrived at Utah State in time for spring workouts. 

However, the Aggies football program was suddenly in disarray after spring practice. In early July, head coach Blake Anderson was notified that his contract would soon be terminated for alleged noncompliance with the university’s Title IX policies, which require complete and timely reporting of disclosures of sexual misconduct, including domestic violence, and prohibits employees from conducting an investigation.

Defensive coordinator Nate Dreiling, who arrived in Logan, Utah, after spending two seasons as defensive coordinator at New Mexico State under Jerry Kill, was elevated to interim head coach with Anderson’s dismissal. 

The Utah State coaching staff advised Shaffer that he would not receive the playing time he desired and recommended that he leave the program. Shaffer had two options: enter the transfer portal again or move on from his football career. Shaffer turned to those he trusted the most.

“I had to get really deep in my faith and spent a lot of time talking to my parents on the phone,” Shaffer said. “Here I was, having to pack my apartment again after thinking I had found a home. Now, I wondered why (any team) didn’t want me.”

Shaffer’s parents made it clear they would support his decision regarding his future in football. Shaffer consulted with a sports psychologist who asked if his heart was still devoted to playing football.

“Some days I felt it, and some days I didn’t,” Shaffer said. “But I saw guys playing seven, eight, and nine years in college, and I thought, ‘Why not me?’”

Shaffer reentered the transfer portal again. Only this time, he was all business when Abilene Christian head coach Keith Patterson and linebackers coach Conor Dubin offered him a visit.

“I did my own research on Abilene Christian to see how they were progressing as a program. We had back-to-back 3-9 seasons at Arizona State, and that was never fun,” Shaffer said. “I came on the visit by myself, and I wanted it to be all business. I didn’t do a photo shoot. I only wanted to see what they had here.”

Shaffer returned to Arizona and consulted with his parents before committing to ACU two days later. He joined the football program around Labor Day and studied the playbook to learn the defensive scheme. Yet, Patterson and Dubin insisted the 22-year-old be a leader on the team.

“I didn’t want to overstep my part, so I sat back and watched to see how the camaraderie was on the team,” Shaffer said. “The guys on the team embraced me, and (Coach Patterson) and Coach Dubin instilled confidence in me and kept telling me to be that guy.”

On Saturday, Shaffer’s interception with one minute remaining sealed a 41-34 victory over No. 5 Central Arkansas, the program’s first win over a top-5 team since Aug. 27, 2009, when the Wildcats were in NCAA Division II and added another chapter to a wild 2024 season for ACU.

To make the moment more special, Shaffer’s father and brother were in attendance for the first time this season.

“I just love this team. (I) love my teammates, and being able to finally get that chance as a fifth-year senior to put my talents on display is unexplainable,” Shaffer said. “I’m trying to be the best version of myself every day because I’m lucky to be here. This is my third stop in college at a different university, and God didn’t have to do that. He could have told me I was done and get a day job. But he gave me another chance to pursue my graduate degree and keep playing football. 

“I’m blessed every day to wake up on this team and continue to play a sport I’ve been playing since I was six, and it’s a surreal feeling. I love my family so much, and being able to do that while they’re here means a lot.”