By Habari Sports | October 19, 2026
IRVING, Texas — The National Football Foundation (NFF) will announce the finalists for the 2026 William V. Campbell Trophy on Wednesday, October 21, recognizing college football players who have demonstrated excellence in academics, athletics, leadership, and community service.
The finalists will be selected from a competitive group of 206 semifinalists representing colleges and universities across all divisions of the NCAA and NAIA.
Each finalist will receive an $18,000 postgraduate scholarship as a member of the 2026 NFF National Scholar-Athlete Class Presented by Fidelity Investments.
The announcement is scheduled for 11 a.m. Eastern Time (8 a.m. Arizona time) and will be distributed through a national press release and the foundation’s social media channels.
Recognizing Excellence Beyond the Football Field
Widely regarded as college football’s premier scholar-athlete award, the William V. Campbell Trophy recognizes an individual who demonstrates an exceptional combination of academic achievement, football performance, and leadership.
Unlike awards focused primarily on athletic statistics, the Campbell Trophy evaluates student-athletes for their contributions both on and off the field.
Candidates must demonstrate academic success while maintaining a significant role on their football teams and contributing positively to their campuses and communities.
The award highlights the importance of education and leadership in college athletics, recognizing players who balance the demands of competitive football with academic responsibilities.
206 Semifinalists Compete for National Recognition
The 2026 selection process began with 206 semifinalists nominated by their respective institutions.
Each school is permitted to nominate only one student-athlete, making the nomination itself a significant recognition of a player’s accomplishments.
To qualify for consideration, nominees must meet several requirements:
- Academic achievement: Maintain a cumulative undergraduate grade-point average of at least 3.2 on a 4.0 scale.
- Athletic performance: Demonstrate outstanding football ability as a first-team player or significant contributor.
- Eligibility: Compete during the 2026 season as a senior in the final year of eligibility or as a graduate student or graduate transfer who has already earned a degree.
- Leadership and citizenship: Demonstrate strong character, leadership, and meaningful contributions to their communities.
The finalists are selected annually by the NFF Awards Committee, which includes nationally recognized members of the media, College Football Hall of Fame inductees, and athletics administrators.
The committee evaluates candidates based on their overall accomplishments rather than football performance alone.
Finalists to Receive $18,000 Postgraduate Scholarships
Every student-athlete selected as a finalist will receive an $18,000 postgraduate scholarship through the NFF National Scholar-Athlete Awards program, presented by Fidelity Investments.
The scholarships are designed to support continued educational opportunities beyond undergraduate studies.
The finalists will also receive national recognition for their achievements in the classroom, on the football field, and within their communities.
The program emphasizes the importance of preparing student-athletes for professional success beyond their playing careers.
Campbell Trophy Winner to Be Named December 8 in Las Vegas
The finalists will travel to Las Vegas for the 68th NFF Annual Awards Dinner Presented by Las Vegas, scheduled for December 8, 2026, at the Bellagio Resort & Casino.
During the ceremony, one finalist will be named the recipient of the 37th William V. Campbell Trophy.
The winner’s postgraduate scholarship will increase from $18,000 to $25,000.
The annual awards dinner brings together college football leaders, student-athletes, university representatives, and members of the sports media to celebrate achievements across the sport.
The ceremony also provides an opportunity to recognize the academic and leadership accomplishments of student-athletes competing at different levels of college football.
A Tradition Dating Back to 1959
The 2026 awards cycle marks the 68th year of the NFF National Scholar-Athlete Awards program, which began in 1959.
The William V. Campbell Trophy was introduced in 1990, expanding the foundation’s recognition of outstanding scholar-athletes.
Now entering its 37th year, the Campbell Trophy continues to recognize student-athletes who demonstrate that success in college football extends beyond wins, losses, and individual statistics.
Through its scholarship program, the National Football Foundation has helped establish academic achievement and leadership as important components of college football recognition.
Why the Campbell Trophy Matters
As college football continues evolving through conference realignment, expanded postseason competition, and changes to the business of college athletics, the Campbell Trophy maintains a focus on the educational mission of collegiate sports.
The award recognizes players who excel academically while meeting the demands of high-level athletic competition.
For the 2026 finalists, the recognition represents more than an individual football accomplishment. It acknowledges years of academic preparation, athletic dedication, and leadership development.
The October 21 announcement will identify the student-athletes who have advanced from the original field of 206 semifinalists and will compete for one of college football’s most prestigious individual honors.
2026 Campbell Trophy Announcement Details
| Event | Details |
|---|---|
| Award | William V. Campbell Trophy |
| Finalists Announcement | Wednesday, October 21, 2026 |
| Time | 11 a.m. ET / 8 a.m. Arizona |
| Semifinalists | 206 |
| Finalist Scholarship | $18,000 |
| Winner’s Scholarship | $25,000 |
| Awards Dinner | December 8, 2026 |
| Location | Bellagio Resort & Casino, Las Vegas |
| Award Organizer | National Football Foundation |
| Presenting Sponsor | Fidelity Investments |
About the National Football Foundation
The National Football Foundation is dedicated to promoting the values of amateur football and recognizing the contributions of student-athletes, coaches, and administrators.
Through its awards, scholarship programs, and College Football Hall of Fame, the organization celebrates excellence in football while emphasizing education, leadership, and community involvement.
The NFF National Scholar-Athlete Awards Presented by Fidelity Investments recognize student-athletes who have distinguished themselves through academic success, athletic performance, and leadership.
For additional information, visit the National Football Foundation.
Source: National Football Foundation — 2026 William V. Campbell Trophy Finalists Media Advisory, October 2026.
© 2026 Habari Entertainment | Habari Sports — News Our Way!
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