This article appears in the Fall 2025 issue of the FCA Donor Publication. The FCA publication is a gift from our FCA staff to all donors giving $50 or more annually. For more information about giving, visit here.
Tanner Koziol has experienced significant change in the last 12 months. Following his junior football season at Ball State in 2024, the first-team HERO Sports Group of 5 All-American tight end transferred to Wisconsin after Ball State experienced a significant coaching change. But in mid-April, Koziol entered the transfer portal again and landed at Houston. In the midst of all the change, the 6-foot-7 senior from Bloomingdale, Ill., has found peace in his faith in Christ.
Please share your testimony of how you came to know the Lord.
I grew up going to a Catholic church and going to religious education on Tuesdays, but I never dove into my faith at that time. Once I got to Ball State, I lived with a teammate who went to a small Bible study. I joined and followed along with a booklet that they were doing. I felt like I was being spoken to directly. This booklet was clearly saying how I should leave these worries at the cross. Right there in that moment, I thought what that would do for my life, and I started seeking the Lord from that day forward. I fell in love with the peace that the Lord gave me and the direction, purpose and love that He fills me with everyday.
How has being involved in FCA impacted your faith?
The community and the conversations we have at FCA are just like an amazing deep breath. The fellowship at FCA is a great feeling and getting to share our faith with each other builds great friendships.
How did your faith help you as you made the transition from Ball State to Houston?
My faith helped me stay grounded. It helped with all the anxiety that comes with being new. Knowing that I am not doing the transition alone and that He is with me is very comforting.
How do you try to pursue the lasting glory of God as you compete?
I try to keep this mindset every day, every game. Keeping this mindset helps take a lot of the weight off our shoulders. Chasing after worldly success never ends. You will always be looking for more. God’s glory and the gift of salvation is eternal. Having a true understanding of that is where so much peace and joy is found.
What's a key verse or passage of Scripture you turn to when life is hard?
In Matthew 6:27, Jesus says, “Can any of you add one moment to his life span by worrying?”
How do you hope to glorify God this season?
By continuing to put Him first and not allowing myself to get too high in the ups and too low in the downs—to stay patient every day trusting in His plan.
How did you first get involved in FCA?
My roommate Jackson told me to come and so did my team chaplain Pat [Ball State University FCA Campus Director Patrick Alyea], and I knew of a couple of the guys on the team that went. I joined them once and started going all the time after that.
What are some recent challenges in your life where you’ve seen God at work?
I’ve been put in a lot of uncomfortable situations recently, and I’m leaning into the Lord to make decisions. I’ve seen the Lord just continue to put the right people in my life to help mentor me and push me to the best I can be on the field.
What’s the best thing about being a college athlete?
The friends and relationships that are made along the way.
What’s the hardest thing about being a college athlete?
You meet a lot of people and say bye to a lot of people very quickly.
What is God teaching you now?
That my confidence is to come through Him.
-FCA-
Photos courtesy of the University of Houston