IRVING, Texas – The National Football Foundation (NFF) & College Hall of Fame proudly announced today a record 206 semifinalists for the 2026 William V. Campbell Trophy^®, college football's premier scholar-athlete award. Celebrating its 37th year, the Campbell Trophy^® recognizes the nation's best football scholar-athlete for his combined academic success, football performance, and exemplary leadership.

For the third consecutive season, a member of the Denison football team has been named as a semifinalist, as the Big Red's Grayson Kerscher was named as a 2026 Campbell Trophy semifinalist. 

The 206 semifinalists, each nominated as their school's sole nominee and best all-around student-athlete on their respective teams, represent every NCAA division and the NAIA. The group is the largest in the history of the award, eclipsing the previous record of 204 set in 2024. Collectively, the semifinalists boast a 3.64 average GPA and include 130 team captains, 24 All-Americans and 98 players who have already earned their undergraduate degrees.
 
"Every year, I'm amazed by what these young men are able to accomplish," said NFF Chairman Archie Manning, whose sons Peyton (Campbell Trophy® winner) and Eli were named NFF National Scholar-Athletes in 1997 and 2003, respectively. "Playing college football takes an enormous commitment, and to perform at a high level on the field while also excelling in the classroom and serving as a leader on campus is something special. These 206 semifinalists have a lot to be proud of, and it's a privilege to recognize their accomplishments."
 
Now in its 68th year, the NFF National Scholar-Athlete Awards Presented by Fidelity Investments have recognized 954 individuals, with this year's scholarships pushing the program's all-time distribution above $13.5 million. The awards were the first initiative in history to grant postgraduate scholarships based on a player's academic, athletic and leadership accomplishments.

Grayson Kerscher is one of 44 NCAA DIII nominees, making up one of the 206 overall players nominated for the award. 95 nominees hail from the FBS, 45 from the FCS, 19 from NCAA DII, and three from the NAIA. Kerscher is one of 111 offensive players nominated.

The senior wide receiver has eclipsed 1300 career receiving yards this season, and last week scored his 15th career receiving touchdown. He became the third player in program history to record a 1,000-yard season last year and set a school record with a 99-yard receiving touchdown one year ago. 

The NFF will announce 12 to 16 finalists on Oct. 21, and each of them will receive an $18,000 postgraduate scholarship as a member of the 2026 NFF National Scholar-Athlete Class Presented by Fidelity Investments. The finalists will travel to the Bellagio Resort & Casino in Las Vegas for the 68th NFF Annual Awards Dinner Presented by Las Vegas on Dec. 8, where their accomplishments will be highlighted in front of one of the most powerful audiences in all of sports. During the event, one member of the class will be declared the winner of the 37th Campbell Trophy® and have his postgraduate scholarship increased to $25,000.

The Campbell Trophy® was first awarded in 1990, adding to the prestige of the NFF National Scholar-Athlete Awards. Past Campbell Trophy® recipients include two Rhodes Scholars, a Rhodes Scholar finalist, two Heisman Trophy winners, and ten first-round NFL Draft picks. Named in honor of the late Bill Campbell, the trophy has been prominently displayed inside its official home at the New York Athletic Club since 2013, and the winner is honored each year during a special luncheon at the storied venue.