Ovie Mughelli Selected for Wake Forest Hall of Fame
Wake Forest University and the Winston-Salem community proudly announce that Ovie Mughelli, one of the most celebrated fullbacks in Wake Forest history, has been selected for induction into the prestigious Wake Forest Sports Hall of Fame Class of 2025.
Mughelli, remembered for his powerful plays and leadership, joins an esteemed class that includes men’s basketball coach Skip Prosser, women's soccer stars Katie Stengel and Aubrey Bledsoe, 2007 NCAA National Champion Ike Opara, trailblazer Keeva Jackson-Breland, and renowned golf course designer Bill Coore. The 2025 inductees are recognized for their extraordinary contributions to Wake Forest athletics, inspiring generations of Demon Deacons and leaving indelible marks on their respective sports.
During his time at Wake Forest, Mughelli's achievements were nothing short of exceptional. Playing in 43 games, he rushed for 530 yards on 137 carries and scored 12 touchdowns in his senior year, leading the Demon Deacons to a 7-6 record and a Seattle Bowl appearance. That season, Mughelli’s dominance on the field earned him First-Team All-ACC honors and recognition as the top fullback prospect in the nation. He was subsequently selected in the fourth round (134th overall) of the 2003 NFL Draft by the Baltimore Ravens, becoming the first-ever Wake Forest player to be drafted by the franchise.
In the NFL, Mughelli's career spanned a decade, playing for the Ravens (2003-2006), Atlanta Falcons (2007-2011), and St. Louis Rams (2012). Known for his fierce blocking ability and versatility out of the backfield, he earned two Pro Bowl selections (2006 and 2010) and All-Pro honors in 2010. Mughelli was a key factor in helping Jamal Lewis achieve one of the few 2,000-yard rushing seasons in NFL history during his rookie year, further solidifying his reputation as one of the premier fullbacks of his era. Throughout his career, Mughelli tallied 62 receptions for 490 receiving yards and scored seven touchdowns.
Oct 23, 2011; Detroit, MI, USA; Atlanta Falcons fullback Ovie Mughelli (34) is unable to make a catch in the first quarter while being defended by Detroit Lions outside linebacker Justin Durant (52) at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber- USA TODAY Sports
Reflecting on this honor, Mughelli said, "Being inducted into the Wake Forest Sports Hall of Fame is a dream come true. My time at Wake Forest was incredibly formative, and I am beyond grateful to the university, my coaches, teammates, and fans for their support throughout my journey. This recognition is not just about my accomplishments but a testament to the incredible family and community that helped me succeed."
The Hall of Fame induction ceremony will take place in early 2025, with further details available on GoDeacs.com. The Wake Forest community looks forward to celebrating the remarkable careers and legacies of these seven inductees, whose achievements both on and off the field continue to resonate within the university.
For more information and updates theoviemughelli.com
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The Ovie Mughelli
Played in 43 games during his career with the Demon Deacons, rushing 137 times for 530 yards.
As a senior, broke out as one of the nation's top fullbacks scoring 12 times as Wake Forest went 7-6 and to the Seattle Bowl
During senior year, earned first team All-ACC honors
Was also rated the No. 1 fullback by USA Today in the 2003 NFL Draft
Selected with the 134th overall pick (fourth round) of the 2003 NFL draft by the Baltimore Ravens
Was just the second fullback selected in Baltimore's franchise history. Additionally, was also the first ever Wake Forest player selected by the Ravens
During his 10 year career in the NFL, played for the Ravens (2003-06), Falcons (2007-11) and Rams (2012)
Was selected to the Pro Bowl twice in 2006 and 2010 and also earned All-Pro honors in 2010
Perfected the blocking part of his game as well as becoming sure-handed out of the backfield
In rookie season, was the lead blocker for Jamal Lewis who went on to have one of just eight 2,000-yard rushing seasons in NFL history that season.
Over career, was also one of the best receiving fullbacks in the league, pulling in 62 receptions and 490 receiving yards in his career.
Found the endzone seven times
