Each finalist will receive an $18,000 postgraduate scholarship, as the award recognizes excellence in academics, football, and leadership.
IRVING, Texas — The National Football Foundation & College Hall of Fame announced 18 finalists for the 2026 William V. Campbell Trophy on October 21, recognizing college football players whose achievements extend from the field to the classroom and their communities.
Each finalist will receive an $18,000 postgraduate scholarship as a member of the 2026 NFF National Scholar-Athlete Class Presented by Fidelity Investments. Together, those scholarships represent $324,000 in support for continued education.
The Campbell Trophy honors a player for the combination of academic achievement, football performance, and exemplary leadership. This year’s finalists were selected from a record 206 semifinalists, according to the National Football Foundation’s announcement.
“The Campbell Trophy represents everything right in college football,” NFF Chairman Archie Manning said.
Manning praised the finalists for balancing the demands of competition and academics while making meaningful contributions to their communities. He said their accomplishments demonstrate the character, discipline, and leadership that the award celebrates.
2026 Campbell Trophy Finalists
The class includes quarterbacks, defensive standouts, offensive linemen, receivers, and a running back, with academic interests ranging from public health and economics to biochemistry and political science.
| Finalist | Position | School | Academic Field | GPA |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Byrum Brown | QB | Auburn | Health Science & Public Health | 3.81 |
| Beau Brungard | QB | Youngstown State | Business Administration | 3.82 |
| Ty Bryant | DB | Kentucky | Sport Communication | 3.83 |
| Arion Carter | LB | Tennessee | Public Health | 3.53 |
| Jaden Craig | QB | TCU | Economics | 3.56 |
| Robert Fitzgerald | DB | Northwestern | Economics, Learning & Organizational Change | 3.71 |
| Titan Fleischmann | OL | Montana State | Political Science | 3.81 |
| Harrison Foster | S | Hardin-Simmons | Finance | 3.91 |
| Carson Hinzman | OL | Ohio State | Sport Industry | 3.41 |
| Bray Hubbard | DB | Alabama | Sport Management | 3.58 |
| Maddux Madsen | QB | Boise State | Interdisciplinary Professional Studies | 3.68 |
| Andrew Miller | RB | Harding | Kinesiology | 3.66 |
| Dante Moore | QB | Oregon | Sociology | 3.27 |
| Nick Rinaldi | LB | Vanderbilt | Economics | 3.97 |
| Duce Robinson | WR | Florida State | Interdisciplinary Social Science | 3.90 |
| Shea Ruddy | WR/KR | Hillsdale | Biochemistry | 3.72 |
| Gunner Stockton | QB | Georgia | Sport Management | 3.27 |
| Ethan Wesloski | LB | Oklahoma State | Kinesiology & Exercise Science | 3.86 |
Academic Achievement Across the Field
Vanderbilt linebacker Nick Rinaldi holds the highest listed GPA among the finalists at 3.97 in economics. Hardin-Simmons safety Harrison Foster follows with a 3.91 GPA in finance, while Florida State receiver Duce Robinson carries a 3.90 GPA in interdisciplinary social science.
The selections also highlight players across multiple levels of college football, including Youngstown State, Montana State, Hardin-Simmons, Harding and Hillsdale.
For the NFF, the recognition places academic commitment and service alongside athletic achievement. Every finalist receives support for postgraduate study, ensuring the honor carries a benefit beyond the football season.
The complete announcement and additional information about the award are available through the National Football Foundation.
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