Ragin’ Cajuns football legend Jake Delhomme is 2026 Spring Gala honoree

A Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns Football legend is this year’s Spring Gala honoree.

The University of Louisiana at Lafayette Alumni Association will honor alumnus Jake Delhomme, a record-setting quarterback who led the Carolina Panthers to the Super Bowl, earned Pro Bowl honors and remains one of the most accomplished players in Ragin’ Cajuns football history. 

The 2026 Spring Gala will be held May 9 at Blackham Coliseum. Proceeds support Alumni Association initiatives that advance alumni engagement, promote student success and strengthen lifelong connections to the University.

This year, the association also will spotlight its Comeback Scholarship program, which supports returning University students as they complete their degrees. Inspired by Delhomme’s own journey of perseverance, the program reflects a commitment to second chances and to helping more students achieve their academic goals.

“Jake Delhomme represents the very best of what it means to be a Ragin’ Cajun,” said Dana Baker, president-elect for the Alumni Association and Spring Gala chairwoman. “His story is one of determination, leadership and unwavering pride in his alma mater. From record-setting performances on the field to his continued investment in our community and University, Jake has always carried UL Lafayette with him — and his legacy continues to inspire our students, student-athletes and alumni.”

A Breaux Bridge native and Teurlings Catholic High School graduate, Delhomme was the only true freshman to start at quarterback for a Division I program in 1993. Over four seasons and 43 consecutive starts from 1993 to 1997, he led the Ragin’ Cajuns to three winning seasons and two conference championships.

He helped secure what remains one of the greatest upsets in program history — a 1996 victory over nationally ranked Texas A&M at Cajun Field. He concluded his collegiate career as the University’s all-time leader in passing yards (9,216) and touchdowns (64).

After signing with the New Orleans Saints as an undrafted free agent following the 1997 NFL Draft, Delhomme refined his game in NFL Europe before earning his opportunity with the Carolina Panthers in 2003. In his first season as Carolina’s starting quarterback, he led the team to Super Bowl XXXVIII. During his tenure with the Panthers, he threw for 19,258 yards and 120 touchdowns and earned Pro Bowl honors in 2005.

He was named to the inaugural Panthers Hall of Honor in 2019 and is a member of the UL Lafayette Athletics Hall of Fame, the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame and the Louisiana High School Athletic Association Hall of Fame.

Beyond athletics, Delhomme remains active in business and philanthropy. He serves on the MidSouth Bank Board of Directors, the LHC Group Founders Advisory Board and the Ragin’ Cajuns Athletic Foundation capital campaign committee. He is vice president of the Louisiana Thoroughbred Breeders Association and, alongside his father and brother, raises and trains thoroughbred racehorses.

Delhomme is a 2001 graduate. He lives in Breaux Bridge with his wife, Keri, who graduated from UL Lafayette in 1997. They have two daughters, Lauren Delhomme House, a 2024 University graduate, and Lindsey Delhomme, a UL Lafayette freshman.

Spring Gala will feature fine food, cocktails, live music and live and silent auctions. Sponsorship and ticket information will be available at alumni.louisiana.edu/connect/spring-gala or by calling (337) 482-0900.