Riley Palmeter – From Small Town Football Hero to Division I College
EDINBURGH, Ind. — Riley Palmeter’s journey from a small-town athlete to a NCAA Division I football player and scholar is one more testament to dedication, parental and community support, and academic achievement.
A 2022 graduate of Edinburgh Community School Corporation, Palmeter made his mark both in the classroom and on the field. He is the son of Paul and Carrie Palmeter and excelled academically, maintaining a high GPA throughout high school.
Following his undergraduate studies, Riley received a scholarship to transfer to Ohio University, an NCAA Division I institution, where he will pursue graduate studies and play football beginning in the fall of 2026. While he was contacted by several colleges and universities, Riley chose Ohio University for the academic and athletic scholarships they offered and for the opportunity to continue competing at the highest collegiate level.
Riley’s list of honors, accomplishments, and scholarships is extensive. Among them are Edinburgh Supreme Lancer, National Football Foundation Scholarship recipient, Indiana Academic Scholarship, Scholar Athlete Award, National Football Foundation Scholar Athlete, IFCA All-State Class 1A Quarterback, Single Season Passing Record (2,257 yards), Single Game Passing Record (403 yards), and Football Homecoming King. Riley also was on the Dean’s list every semester at Marion College.
Football has always been Riley’s primary sport. He served as quarterback for Edinburgh High School, transitioned to wide receiver at Marion University, and will move to tight end at Ohio University. Ohio University reached out to Riley this year to recruit him for football and graduate studies with the Bobcats.
Balancing football and academics at the collegiate level was essentially a full-time commitment. During the season, Riley practiced approximately four hours a day, leaving little time for extracurricular activities beyond football and academics.
When asked who most influenced his academic and athletic success at Edinburgh, Riley credited his middle school and high school counselor, Traci Foltz, and his high school football coach, Tyler Despain. Coach Despain has remained in close contact with Riley throughout his college career and attended several of his college games to support him.
Riley also expressed gratitude to many Edinburgh teachers and staff members, especially Mr. Stephen Cox and Mr. Sean Rosser. Both educators made it a priority to build relationships with students and foster a positive, inclusive learning environment.
One of Riley’s favorite memories from his twelve years at Edinburgh was winning the Basketball Sectional Championship in 2022. The bonds formed during that season remain strong, as teammates continue to stay connected through group chats and gatherings whenever they are home. Riley values the unique opportunities a small school provides, allowing students to participate in multiple activities and sports throughout the year.
Riley shared that what he loved most about attending Edinburgh Community Schools was the accountability and support of his friends. “I had an amazing group of friends that held me accountable to complete my schoolwork and practices before the fun,” he said. Academics were always a priority for Riley, reflected in his impressive high school GPA of 4.1896.
Paul and Carrie Palmeter were also deeply involved in Riley’s journey. Carrie consistently emphasized academics as the top priority, while Paul played an active role in supporting Riley’s athletic development. Paul served as Riley’s Bantam football coach and later as an assistant coach for the Edinburgh football team. Their advice to parents is to remain actively involved in their children’s lives and ensure academics remain at the forefront each day.
Looking ahead, Riley hopes to remain in Indiana after completing his graduate studies and pursue a career as a commercial real estate broker. He has already gained experience through an internship in an asset management role within financial services and has begun networking with professionals in the field.
When asked why he loved growing up in Edinburgh and attending ECSC, Riley described the community as his village—one that supported and cheered him on throughout his life. In a small school, everyone knows each other, creating a sense of belonging. “Everyone knows your name,” Riley said, “and we are one large family.”
Riley’s advice to current ECSC students is simple but powerful: “Put academics first, work hard if you are a high school athlete or involved in any activity, rely on your teachers for support, and find a group of friends who encourage you and keep you accountable.”