IRVING, Texas (Oct. 22, 2025) – The National Football Foundation (NFF) & College Hall of Fame announced today the finalists for the 2025 William V. Campbell Trophy®, college football’s premier scholar-athlete award that annually recognizes an individual as the absolute best in the nation for his combined academic success, football performance, and exemplary leadership. The 16 finalists will each receive an $18,000 postgraduate scholarship as members of the 2025 NFF National Scholar-Athlete Class Presented by Fidelity Investments®:
Robby Ballentine, WR – DePauw (IN) // Biochemistry (3.92 GPA)
Jonah Coleman, RB – Washington // Education (3.91 GPA)
James Conway, LB – Fordham // Marketing Information Systems (3.71 GPA)
Jalon Daniels, QB – Kansas // Sport Management (3.58 GPA)
Ty Dugger, DB – Harding (AR) // Accounting (3.92 GPA)
Aaron Graves, DL – Iowa // Exercise Science (4.03 GPA)
Blake Horvath, QB – Navy // Operations Research (3.69 GPA)
Chandler Kirton, OL – Austin Peay // Management (3.92 GPA)
Trey Moore, LB – Texas // Physical Culture & Sports (3.65 GPA)
Red Murdock, LB – Buffalo // Psychology (3.46 GPA)
Parker Navarro, QB – Ohio // Integrated Health Studies (3.96 GPA)
Sawyer Robertson, QB – Baylor // Marketing (3.73 GPA)
Eli Stowers, TE – Vanderbilt // Individual Studies (3.92 GPA)
Jack Strand, QB – Minnesota State Moorhead // Engineering Physics (3.87 GPA)
Andon Thomas, LB – Army West Point // Chemical Engineering (3.98 GPA)
Jackson Waring, QB – Grand View (IA) // Psychology (3.88 GPA)
The 16 finalists were selected from an impressive 180 semifinalists nationwide from among all NCAA divisions and the NAIA.
“Each year, we are thrilled to announce the finalists for the Campbell Trophy®,” said NFF Chairman Archie Manning, whose sons Peyton (a Campbell Trophy® recipient) and Eli were NFF National Scholar-Athletes in 1997 and 2003, respectively. “These finalists exemplify the very best that our sport has to offer on the field, in the classroom and as leaders in their communities. They exude excellence in all areas of their lives, and we know they have only begun to reach their potential.”
The finalists will travel to the Bellagio Resort & Casino in Las Vegas for the 67th NFF Annual Awards Dinner Presented by Las Vegas on Dec. 9, where their accomplishments will be highlighted in front of one of the most powerful audiences in all of sports.
Live during the event, one member of the class will be declared as the winner of the 36th Campbell Trophy® and have his postgraduate scholarship increased to $25,000. Click here for more information on the Awards Dinner, including options to purchase tickets online, special travel rates to the event from Delta Air Lines, and room rates at the Bellagio.
“The NFF Awards Committee faced a challenging task in selecting the best of the best from an already impressive list of candidates this year,” said NFF President & CEO Steve Hatchell. “We’re thrilled to shine our spotlight on this group of finalists as they serve without question as an inspiration for the next generation to emulate. We look forward to celebrating their achievements at our event in December and supporting their continued development with postgraduate scholarships.”
Submitted by their schools, which are limited to one nominee each, candidates for the Campbell Trophy® must be either a senior player who will complete his final year of eligibility during the 2025 season or be a graduated player or grad transfer who has already earned a bachelor’s degree and participating in the 2025 season; must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.2 on a 4.0 scale; must have outstanding football ability as a starter/significant contributor; and must have exhibited exemplary leadership on the field, in the classroom and within the community.
2025 NFF Campbell Trophy® Finalists Highlights
3.82 Average GPA
16 captains (permanent or game), including one four-year captain (Daniels), one three-year captain (Waring), and four two-year captains (Conway, Kirton, Navarro, Strand, Thomas)
8 players who have already graduated (Conway, Daniels, Graves, Kirton, Murdock, Navarro, Stowers, Waring), including two players who have already earned a master’s degree (Navarro, Stowers)
6 Academic All-America selections (Ballentine, Daniels, Dugger, Graves, Moore, Strand)
12 players receiving conference academic honors (Ballentine, Conway, Daniels, Dugger, Graves, Kirton, Moore, Murdock, Navarro, Robertson, Stowers, Strand)
6 All-America performers (Ballentine, Conway, Dugger, Stowers, Strand, Waring)
3 Conference Players of the Year (Moore [at UTSA], Strand, Waring)
15 All-Conference selections (Ballentine, Coleman, Conway, Daniels, Dugger, Graves, Kirton, Moore [at UTSA], Murdock, Navarro, Robertson, Stowers, Strand, Thomas, Waring)
8 school record holders (Ballentine, Conway, Daniels, Horvath, Moore [at UTSA], Murdock, Navarro, Strand)
2 members of national championship teams (Dugger, Waring)
8 members of conference championship teams (Ballentine, Conway, Dugger, Kirton, Moore [at UTSA], Navarro, Thomas, Waring)
15 members of postseason teams (College Football Playoff – Moore; FBS Bowl Games – Coleman, Daniels, Graves, Horvath, Moore, Murdock, Navarro, Robertson, Stowers, Thomas; FCS Playoffs – Conway, Kirton; Division II Playoffs – Dugger; Division III Playoffs – Ballentine; NAIA Playoffs – Waring)
6 members of currently ranked teams (Ballentine, Dugger, Kirton, Moore, Stowers, Waring)
4 players who are their school’s first NFF National Scholar-Athlete (Dugger, Kirton, Navarro, Waring)
6 transfer players (Coleman—previously at Arizona; Moore—previously at UTSA; Navarro—previously at UCF; Robertson—previously at Mississippi State; Stowers—previously at New Mexico State and at Texas A&M; Waring—previously at Illinois State)
10 Offensive Players (Ballentine, Coleman, Daniels, Horvath, Kirton, Navarro, Robertson, Stowers, Strand, Waring)
6 Defensive Players (Conway, Dugger, Graves, Moore, Murdock, Thomas)
Following the 67th NFF Annual Awards Dinner Presented by Las Vegas, the recipient of the 2025 Campbell Trophy® will be honored at several other prestigious events. On Friday, Dec. 12, he will be featured during “The Home Depot College Football Awards” on ESPN. Then, on Monday, Dec. 15, a reception will be held in his honor at the New York Athletic Club (NYAC), the official home of the trophy since 2013.
Launched in 1959, the NFF National Scholar-Athlete Awards Presented by Fidelity Investments celebrate their 67th year in 2025. The awards were the first initiative in history to grant postgraduate scholarships based on both a player’s academic and athletic accomplishments. Since 2011, Fidelity Investments, a leading provider of workplace savings plans in higher education, has served as the presenting sponsor of the NFF National Scholar-Athlete Awards.
As part of its support of the NFF National Scholar-Athlete Awards, Fidelity Investments helped launch the NFF Faculty Salutes, which recognize the contributions of the faculty athletics representatives at each of the institutions with a finalist for the Campbell Trophy®. The NFF presents each of the faculty athletics representatives with a plaque, and Fidelity donates $5,000 for the academic support services at each school. The salutes have recognized 214 FARs since the program’s inception, and Fidelity has made a total of $1.07 million (including $80,000 this year) in donations.
Including the 2025 Campbell Trophy® finalists, the NFF has honored 954 individuals with National Scholar-Athlete Awards, and this year’s postgraduate scholarships will push the program’s all-time distribution to more than $13.2 million.
Past recipients have used their postgraduate scholarships to set the standard for excellence in our society, earning more than 177 medical degrees, 108 law degrees, 83 MBAs and 46 PhDs. Others have used their financial backing to enhance successful careers in finance, consulting and engineering. Continuing their excellence on the field, more than 274 recipients have played in the NFL, with an average career of six seasons or double the length of a typical NFL player. Past recipients also include 13 Rhodes Scholars and six Heisman Trophy winners.
Past NFF National Scholar-Athletes have made it big in a variety of fields, including actor and film producer Mark Harmon (UCLA); Houston Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans (Alabama); NASA astronauts Leland Melvin (Richmond) and Michael Hopkins (Illinois); and current athletics directors: Trev Alberts (Texas A&M) and Josh Whitman (Illinois). NFF National Scholar-Athletes who became NFL stars include Drew Brees, Derek Carr, Kirk Cousins, Doug Flutie, Joey Galloway, Brian Griese, Justin Herbert, Jeff Hostetler, Bradie James, Tyler Lockett, Alex Mack, Johnny Musso, Bo Nix, Ryan Tannehill, Joe Thomas, Jonathan Vilma, Wesley Walls and Christian Wilkins, among many others.
A total of 49 former National Scholar-Athletes have been inducted into the NFF College Football Hall of Fame and nine are in the Pro Football Hall of Fame as well: Tony Boselli (Southern California), Derrick Brooks (Florida State), Dave Casper (Notre Dame), Randy Gradishar (Ohio State), Peyton Manning (Tennessee), Merlin Olsen (Utah State), Lee Roy Selmon (Oklahoma), Joe Thomas (Wisconsin) and Steve Young (BYU). Click here for a database of all the past NFF National Scholar-Athletes.
The Campbell Trophy®, first awarded in 1990 to Air Force’s Chris Howard, has added to the program’s prestige. Past recipients include two Rhodes Scholars, a Rhodes Scholar finalist, two Heisman Trophy winners and nine first-round NFL draft picks. For the complete list of former winners, please click here.
The trophy is named in honor of the late Bill Campbell, an All-Ivy League player and the captain of Columbia’s 1961 Ivy League championship team who found his true calling after an unlikely career change at age 39 from Columbia football coach to advertising executive. His ability to recruit, develop and manage talented executives – all lessons learned on the gridiron – proved to be a critical component of his ability to inspire his business teams to the highest levels of success.
As the CEO and chairman of Intuit, Campbell’s strong leadership and unique talent in building teams allowed him to become one of the most influential individuals in Silicon Valley. Using the lessons of the gridiron he mentored Steve Jobs of Apple, Jeff Bezos of Amazon, Sheryl Sandberg of Facebook, Larry Page, Sergey Brin, Sundar Pichai and Eric Schmidt of Google, Scott Cook and Brad Smith of Intuit, John Doerr of Kleiner-Perkins, Dick Costolo at Twitter, Diane Greene of VMware and countless others. His contributions have been captured in a book titled “The Trillion Dollar Coach,” and during his lifetime, he affectionately became known as the “Coach of Silicon Valley.”
Campbell joined the NFF Board in 1978 while he was still a coach at Columbia, and he continued to serve with distinction until his passing in 2016. In 2004, the NFF recognized Campbell’s contributions and accomplishments by presenting him with the NFF Gold Medal, the organization’s highest honor. In 2009, the NFF renamed college football’s premier scholar-athlete award as The William V. Campbell Trophy® as an inspiration to future generations.
Bios for the 2025 Campbell Trophy® Finalists,
Members of the 2025 NFF National Scholar-Athlete Class,
Presented by Fidelity Investments
(In alphabetical order – All stats as of Oct. 22, 2025)
Robby Ballentine, WR – DePauw (IN)
3.92 GPA – Biochemistry (3.92 GPA)
Head Coach: Brett Dietz | Athletics Director: Stevie Baker-Watson
Faculty Athletics Representatives: David Gellman and Jeane Pope
William Pearce Scholar-Athlete Award Endowed by William A. Schreyer
A gifted wide receiver who has rewritten the record books, Robby Ballentine has matched his on-field success with outstanding work in the classroom, earning a near-perfect 3.92 GPA as a biochemistry major. The Crown Point, Indiana, native becomes the fifth NFF National Scholar-Athlete from DePauw and first since 1989.
A 2024 First Team Academic All-American, Ballentine earned a place on the North Coast Athletic Conference (NCAC) Scholar-Athlete Honor Roll and has been recognized six times on both the Tiger Pride Honor Roll and DePauw’s Dean’s List. He earned the Phi Delta Theta Albert Lund Scholarship, and he has been inducted into the Chi Alpha Sigma national scholar-athlete honor society. Ballentine plans to pursue a postgraduate career in dentistry.
A 2024 D3football.com Second Team All-American, Ballentine has twice made the First Team All-NCAC list. He broke the NCAC single-season record for receiving touchdowns (20) last season and is the school’s all-time leader in touchdown receptions. His career marks currently include 210 receptions for 3,125 yards and 47 touchdowns. His 109.3 receiving yards per game and 9.3 points per game both lead the NCAC this season, and he is tied for sixth in the nation for receiving touchdowns (9), ranks ninth for receptions per game (8.17), 16th for reception yards per game (109.3), and 14th receiving yards (656) this season. His 47 career touchdown receptions are first among active student-athletes on all NCAA levels, while his 210 receptions are fourth among active Division III players and his 3,125 receiving yards are third.
A three-year letterman and 2025 team captain, Ballentine has been a key force in transforming DePauw, along with his younger brother Scott (who stars at quarterback for the Tigers), into one of Division III’s most successful programs. He has helped lead the Tigers to three straight NCAC titles and Division III playoff appearances, including the program’s first-ever 11-win season in 2024 and back-to-back 10-0 regular seasons for the first time in school history. The No. 16 ranked Tigers are 5-1 this year.
Ballentine also serves as the academic chair of the Phi Delta Theta fraternity, and volunteers as a youth mentor for the Lake County Veterans Treatment Court.
(All stats as of Oct. 22, 2025)
Jonah Coleman, RB – Washington
3.91 GPA – Education
Head Coach: Jedd Fisch | Athletics Director: Patrick Chun
Faculty Athletics Representative: Alexes Harris
James J. Campbell Scholar-Athlete Award Endowed by William V. Campbell
A dynamic running back who eclipsed 1,000 rushing yards last season while maintaining a 3.91 GPA, Jonah Coleman ranks among the most complete student-athletes in the nation. The Stockton, California, native becomes the 11th NFF National Scholar-Athlete from Washington.
A three-time Dean’s List honoree at Washington, Coleman rose from a challenging neighborhood to become the first in his family of nine children to attend college. He is on pace to graduate this December with a degree in education.
The 2025 Huskies team captain and a three-year letterman, including two seasons at Arizona, Coleman earned Third Team All-Big Ten honors during his first season in Seattle. He became just the 15th running back in Husky history to record a 1,000-yard season, finishing with 1,053 rushing yards and 10 touchdowns on 193 carries while adding 23 receptions for 177 yards in 2024. Named the Washington Offensive Team MVP in 2024, his efforts helped UW earn an appearance in the Sun Bowl.
In 20 games thus far with the Huskies, Coleman has rushed for 1,621 yards and 22 touchdowns, averaging 5.3 yards per carry. He has added 46 receptions for 461 yards and one touchdown. This year, he leads the nation in rushing touchdowns (11), total touchdowns (11) and scoring (11.1 ppg); ranks second in total points scored (78); and ranks eighth nationally in all-purpose yards per game (129.86).
In his two seasons at Arizona, he rushed for 1,243 yards and nine touchdowns, earning Honorable Mention All-Pac-12 honors in 2023 and helping the Wildcats to a 10-3 record, an Alamo Bowl victory and a No. 11 final ranking.
One of only two student-athletes invited to present to the University of Washington Board of Regents, Coleman has shared his student-athlete perspective on the broader impact of institutional decisions.
(All stats as of Oct. 22, 2025)
James Conway, LB – Fordham
3.71 GPA – Marketing Information Systems
Head Coach: Joe Conlin | Athletics Director: Charles Guthrie
Faculty Athletics Representative: Chris Dietrich
Jefferson Walker Kirby Scholar-Athlete Award Endowed by the F.M. Kirby Foundation
On pace to become the all-time leading tackler in FCS history, James Conway has been the cornerstone of Fordham’s defense and a consummate student-athlete throughout his four-year career. The Omaha, Nebraska, native now becomes the second NFF National Scholar-Athlete from Fordham, joining his former teammate Ryan Greenhagen, who was honored in 2022.
Conway has excelled academically, graduating magna cum laude with a 3.71 GPA in May 2025 as a marketing information systems major. A two-time CSC Academic All-District selection and four-time member of the Patriot League Academic Honor Roll, Conway is currently pursuing a master’s degree in artificial intelligence. He was a finalist for the FedEx Doris Robinson Scholar-Athlete Award in 2024, which goes to the top FCS football student-athlete.
A two-year captain, Conway is a four-time All-Patriot League honoree, including three First Team selections. He currently is leading all active FCS players with 539 career tackles, which is 11 shy of the NCAA FCS record of 550 set by NFF College Football Hall of Famer Boomer Grigsby (Illinois State). The 2022 Sophomore All-American already holds the Fordham and Patriot League career tackles records. This season, Conway leads the FCS in total tackles (103) and tackles per game (14.7).
Conway helped the 2022 team to a 9-3 record and an FCS Playoff appearance, with the squad finishing No. 16 nationally. He has led the team in tackles every year of his career and set a Fordham freshman record with 131 tackles in 2021.
Conway volunteers with Part of the Solution (POTS), a leading Bronx soup kitchen and social services provider; participates in Team IMPACT initiatives welcoming young patients to practices and games; and visits local elementary schools to read to students.
(All stats as of Oct. 22, 2025)
Jalon Daniels, QB – Kansas
3.58 GPA – Sport Management
Head Coach: Lance Leipold | Athletics Director: Travis Goff
Faculty Athletics Representative: Susan Stagg-Williams
Coach Eddie Robinson Scholar-Athlete Award Endowed by the George M. Steinbrenner Family and the New York Yankees Foundation
A dynamic playmaker and inspirational leader, Jalon Daniels added a new dimension to Kansas’ offense, helping the Jayhawk program reach new levels of gridiron success while excelling in the classroom. The Lawndale, California, native now becomes the fifth NFF National Scholar-Athlete from Kansas.
Daniels graduated in December 2024 with a degree in sport management (3.58 GPA) and a minor in business, and he is currently pursuing graduate work in public and nonprofit management. The 2024-25 Big 12 Co-Scholar-Athlete of the Year—the first in Kansas history—he earned CSC Second Team Academic All-America honors in 2022 and is a five-time Academic All-Big 12 honoree.
A five-year letterman and the program’s first four-time team captain, Daniels earned Second Team All-Big 12 honors in 2022. This season he has completed 130 passes for 1,752 yards and 18 touchdowns. His totals place him sixth in the nation for passing efficiency (178.80) and passing touchdowns (18) while ranking 12th for yards per pass attempt (9.42) and among the top 15 in several other categories. His career totals place him among the best quarterbacks in KU history, completing 666- passes for 8,503 yards and 63 touchdowns, all second in school history, while adding 1,242 rushing yards and 20 rushing scores.
Daniels guided the Jayhawks to their first bowl berth since 2008 with an appearance in the 2022 Liberty Bowl, followed by a 2023 Guaranteed Rate Bowl victory, marking just the second time in program history Kansas earned back-to-back bowl appearances. The Jayhawks have appeared in the AP Top 25 nine times during his career. He notched a signature 57-56 upset of Texas in 2021, which ended a 56-game Big 12 road losing streak for KU. He set school and Liberty Bowl records in 2022 with 544 passing yards and six total touchdowns, becoming the first FBS player ever to throw for more than 500 yards, five touchdowns, and rush for a touchdown in a single game.
Daniels founded the MOM2JD6 Foundation, which supports single mothers raising athletic children through mentorship, training, financial aid, and community resources. He serves on the Kansas Football Leadership Council and helped the Jayhawks contribute a program-record 500+ hours of community service.
(All stats as of Oct. 22, 2025)
Ty Dugger, DB – Harding (AR)
3.92 GPA – Accounting
Head Coach: Paul Simmons | Athletics Director: Jeff Morgan
Faculty Athletics Representative: Stephen Burks
Coach Paul “Bear” Bryant Scholar-Athlete Award
Ty Dugger has been a cornerstone of Harding’s dominance in Division II football, helping the Bisons capture a national championship and sustain their place among the nation’s elite. The Searcy, Arkansas, native becomes the first NFF National Scholar-Athlete in Harding history.
On pace to graduate in December 2025, Dugger is pursuing an accelerated dual-degree program in accounting (3.92 GPA) and information systems (4.0 GPA). A two-time CSC First Team Academic All-American and two-time CSC Academic All-District selection, he has also been honored three times on the Academic All-Great American Conference Team and is a member of the Alpha Chi honor society.
A three-year letterman and 2025 team captain, Dugger was named a 2024 D2CCA Second Team All-American, 2023 Don Hansen Honorable Mention All-American, and a two-time D2CCA All-Super Region 3 selection, including First Team honors in 2024 and Second Team in 2023. He is a two-time First Team All-GAC honoree.
During his career, Dugger has compiled 130 tackles, 5.5 tackles for loss, 1.5 sacks, 8 interceptions (2 returned for touchdowns), 17 pass breakups, and 1 blocked kick, along with 25 punt returns for 277 yards (11.1 avg.) and 1 touchdown. Thus far in 2025, Dugger ranks third on the team in total tackles with 33. He has 1 interception and 1.5 tackles for loss.
Dugger has been instrumental in Harding’s sustained success, leading the Bisons to a perfect 15-0 record and the 2023 Division II National Championship, followed by a 12-2 campaign in 2024 that ended in the Division II Quarterfinals and a No. 4 national ranking. The Bisons captured back-to-back GAC titles, winning outright in 2023 and sharing the crown in 2024. This season, the No. 2-ranked Bisons are 7-0.
Dugger is an active member of the Titans Social Club and participates in Bison Buddies, an elementary school mentorship initiative that connects student-athletes with local children.
(All stats as of Oct. 22, 2025)
Aaron Graves, DL – Iowa
4.03 GPA – Exercise Science
Head Coach: Kirk Ferentz | Athletics Director: Beth Goetz
Faculty Athletics Representative: Nicole Grosland and Liz Hollingworth
John H. McConnell Scholar-Athlete Award
An exceptional student-athlete with a tremendous work ethic, Aaron Graves has dominated the line of scrimmage for the Hawkeyes while excelling in the classroom. The Dayton, Iowa, native becomes Iowa’s eighth NFF National Scholar-Athlete, joining his teammate Jack Campbell, the 2022 Campbell Trophy® recipient.
Graves graduated with the highest distinction in 2024, completing his bachelor’s degree in just two years while maintaining a 4.03 GPA in exercise science. He is on track to finish his master’s degree in sport and recreation management this December. A two-time CSC Academic All-District honoree, Graves earned Second Team Academic All-American honors in 2024, and he was a Big Ten Distinguished Scholar in 2023 while also receiving the Forest Evashevski Academic Achievement Award.
A three-year letterman and team captain, Graves earned Honorable Mention All-Big Ten honors in 2024, and he received the 2024 Team Hustle Award.
Anchoring the middle of the Hawkeye defensive line this season, Graves has recorded 25 tackles, including 3.5 for loss, 3 hurries, 2 sacks, and an interception (35-yard return) in seven starts in 2025. Iowa’s defense ranks seventh nationally in yards per game (246.7) and eighth in scoring (13.0). During his career, he has compiled 110 tackles, 22 tackles for loss, 13.5 sacks, 4 forced fumbles, 4 pass breakups and 1 interception in 46 games and 20 starts.
Graves helped the Hawkeyes win the 2023 Big Ten West Division, finish with a No. 22 national ranking, and earn berths in three bowl games, including a victory in the 2022 Music City Bowl and appearances at the 2023 Citrus Bowl and 2024 Music City Bowl.
Graves has volunteered with Filter of Hope, Safe Haven Animal Shelter, Athletes in Action, Day of Caring, and CommUnity Crisis Services & Food Bank.
(All stats as of Oct. 22, 2025)
Blake Horvath, QB – Navy
3.69 GPA – Operations Research
Head Coach: Brian Newberry | Athletics Director: Michael Kelly
Faculty Athletics Representative: Christine Copper
F.M. Kirby Scholar-Athlete Award Funded by The National Football Foundation
A dynamic dual-threat quarterback with a team-first mindset, Blake Horvath has consistently excelled at the highest levels while balancing the demands of attending one of our nation’s military academies. The Hilliard, Ohio, native becomes the 11th NFF National Scholar-Athlete from the U.S. Naval Academy.
Horvath has thrived in the rigorous operations research program, maintaining a 3.69 GPA and ranking 205th out of 1,090 in his class in overall order of merit. He earned CSC Academic All-District honors in 2024.
A two-year letterman and 2025 team co-captain, Horvath’s career totals include 138 completions for 2,417 yards and 22 touchdowns while adding 310 rushes for 2,069 yards and 25 rushing touchdowns. In 2024, he became just the third quarterback in Navy history to surpass 1,200 yards passing and rushing in the same season, ranking second all-time in single-season total offense (2,599 yards). He also finished the year with the second-most rushing yards among FBS quarterbacks (1,246). Thus far in 2025, he has completed 52 passes for 980 yards and 7 touchdowns while rushing for 640 yards and 8 touchdowns, guiding the Midshipmen to a perfect 6-0 start. He broke the school record with 469 yards of total offense early this month in leading Navy to a 34-31 victory over Service Academy rival Air Force.
Horvath led Navy to a 10-3 record in 2024, becoming just the sixth squad in program history to post a 10-win season. He helped the team capture the coveted Commander-in-Chief’s Trophy, and victories over No. 24 Memphis and No. 19 Army gave the Mids two wins over ranked opponents in the same season for the first time since 1958. His efforts also guided Navy to a win over Oklahoma in the 2024 Armed Forces Bowl, marking the program’s first bowl win over an SEC team since 1954.
His 95-yard touchdown run in the Armed Forces Bowl marked the longest in program history and the third-longest in American Conference history, earning Horvath MVP honors. Horvath also earned Co-MVP honors in the 2024 Army-Navy Game.
Horvath has participated in autograph signings for children, attended Bible studies, and contributed to campus life through the Naval Academy Finance Club and other leadership activities.
(All stats as of Oct. 22, 2025)
Chandler Kirton, OL – Austin Peay
3.92 GPA – Management
Head Coach: Jeff Faris | Athletics Director: Jordan Harmon (Interim)
Faculty Athletics Representative: Dr. Jennifer Thayer
General Robert R. Neyland Scholar-Athlete Award Endowed by The Haslam Family Foundation
A relentless competitor who raises the bar for everyone around him, Chandler Kirton has set the standard for excellence at Austin Peay. The Atlantic Beach, Florida, native becomes the first NFF National Scholar-Athlete in Austin Peay history.
Kirton graduated summa cum laude in December 2024 with a 3.92 GPA, earning his degree in management. He currently maintains a perfect 4.0 GPA in the school’s MBA program. Recognized as the 2024 United Athletic Conference (UAC) Scholar-Athlete of the Year and a two-time CSC Academic All-District selection, Kirton was a finalist for the 2024 FedEx Doris Robinson Scholar-Athlete Award, presented annually to the FCS football student-athlete of the year.
A two-year team captain and four-year starter on the Governors’ offensive line, Kirton is a two-time All-Conference selection, earning First Team All-UAC honors in 2023 and All-ASUN recognition in 2022.
In 2024, Kirton helped Austin Peay average 363.3 yards and 20.0 points per game. A year earlier, he anchored a record-setting offense that led the UAC and ranked ninth nationally in scoring (34.1 ppg). The 2023 Govs set program records for completion percentage (.667), passing efficiency (162.2), passing offense (247.1 ypg), and total offense (426.8 ypg). His blocking powered the Govs to the second-best single-season marks in school history for passing yards (3,289), passing touchdowns (30), total offense (5,121), points (409), and total touchdowns (53). In 2025, Kirton has again helped anchor an impressive offense, which is averaging 33.29 points per game and 444.4 yards of total offense per game.
He helped guide the Govs to a 9-3 record and a UAC title in 2023, earning a No. 18 final national ranking and a berth in the FCS Playoffs, marking one of the most successful seasons in program history. In 2022, he helped the Govs claim the ASUN title.
Kirton has been a member of the Austin Peay Student-Athlete Advisory Committee since 2023. He volunteered as a tutor in APSU Athletics Study Hall (later hired full-time), and he has given his time to Buddy Ball, Operation Christmas Child, the SAAC Canned Food Drive, and helped raise funds for pediatric cancer research at Vanderbilt Children’s Hospital.
(All stats as of Oct. 22, 2025)
Trey Moore, LB – Texas
3.65 GPA – Physical Culture & Sports
Head Coach: Steve Sarkisian | Athletics Director: Chris Del Conte
Faculty Athletics Representative: Mechele Dickerson
Coach Bobby Bowden Scholar-Athlete Award Endowed by Phil Knight and Nike
A dominant playmaker, Trey Moore has made a huge impact on the field for the Longhorns while defining himself as an outstanding leader in the community. The San Antonio, Texas, native becomes the 14th NFF National Scholar-Athlete from Texas, joining teammate and 2024 honoree Jake Majors.
A 2023 CSC Second Team Academic All-American and two-time CSC Academic All-District honoree, Moore was named Texas’ Spring 2025 Team Academic MVP and earned 2024 SEC Academic Honor Roll recognition. A transfer from UTSA, he was a two-time CUSA Academic Medal recipient and a member of the commissioner’s honor roll. On track to graduate in December 2025 with a degree in physical culture and sports, Moore plans to pursue postgraduate studies in business management.
Thus far in 2025, Moore has totaled 20 tackles and is third on the team with 3.5 tackles for loss and tied for second with two sacks, helping Texas (5-2) rank No. 22 in the AP Poll. With Moore as one of its leaders, the Texas defense ranks third in the FBS in scoring defense (11.3), fifth in rushing defense (83.3), sixth in fourth-down conversion percentage defense (.250), eighth in kickoff return defense (14.00), 12th in passes intercepted (9), 11th in red zone defense (0.727), 12th in team sacks, (3.00), and 12th in turnovers gained (13).
In his first season with the Longhorns (2024), Moore started every game and tallied 36 tackles, 10.5 tackles for loss, 6.5 sacks, 3 forced fumbles, and 2 fumble recoveries—leading the team in both categories. Before joining Texas, he was the 2023 American Conference Defensive Player of the Year at UTSA, where he set school records for sacks (14) and tackles for loss (18) and earned FWAA Freshman All-America honors in 2022.
A game captain multiple times, Moore helped Texas to a 13-3 record and No. 4 final ranking in 2024, appearing in the SEC Championship Game and reaching the College Football Playoff semifinals after winning the Peach Bowl in the CFP first round. He previously helped lead UTSA to a 20-7 record, the 2022 Conference USA title, and the 2023 Frisco Bowl victory.
Off the field, Moore has volunteered with the San Antonio Food Bank, Hungry Souls Austin, Hope Food Pantry, and Dell Children’s Hospital while participating in events with the Down Syndrome Association of Austin.
(All stats as of Oct. 22, 2025)
Red Murdock, LB – Buffalo
3.46 GPA – Psychology
Head Coach: Pete Lembo | Athletics Director: Mark Alnutt
Faculty Athletics Representative: Mark Frank
Coach Lou Saban Scholar-Athlete Award Endowed by George M. Steinbrenner III
A relentless playmaker and inspirational leader, Red Murdock has established himself as one of the nation’s leading tacklers while excelling in the classroom with a 3.46 GPA. The Petersburg, Virginia, native becomes the second NFF National Scholar-Athlete from Buffalo and the first since 1984.
Graduating magna cum laude in May 2024 with a degree in psychology, Murdock is now pursuing a master’s in education studies, maintaining a perfect 4.0 GPA. A two-time CSC Academic All-District selection, he was also a two-time Academic All-MAC honoree.
A two-year letterman and game captain multiple times, Murdock earned First Team All-MAC honors in 2024 after leading the nation in forced fumbles (7), ranking second nationally in tackles (156), and placing second in the MAC with 16.5 tackles for loss. He has recorded 301 total tackles, 35.5 tackles for loss, six sacks, one interception, and 15 forced fumbles thus far during his career. He set the Buffalo single-season record for forced fumbles (7 in 2024) and is on pace to break the NCAA career mark (16), with a nation-leading four more this season with a career total of 15. He currently ranks third nationally in total tackles (with 70 total, averaging 11.7 per game) this year and his 9.5 tackles for loss place him tied at No. 12 nationally.
Murdock’s leadership contributed to Buffalo’s 2025 Bahamas Bowl victory, where he was named Defensive MVP after producing 13 tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss, two forced fumbles, and a pick-six in the win over Liberty.
Named to the 2025 AFCA Good Works Team, Murdock founded and directs the Virginia Homework Helpers program, a free K–12 tutoring initiative supporting students in his home state. He founded this organization after seeing many of his peers struggle in school with no extra help, which could result in getting in trouble outside of school or dropping out. He also volunteers regularly with Buffalo Athletics at community service events and represented the Bulls at the 2024 and 2025 MAC Media Days.
(All stats as of Oct. 22, 2025)
Parker Navarro, QB – Ohio
3.96 GPA – Integrated Health Studies
Head Coach: Brian Smith | Athletics Director: Slade Larscheid
Faculty Athletics Representatives: Aimee Edmondson, Chris Thompson
Woody and Anne Hayes Scholar-Athlete Award
A formidable dual-threat quarterback, Parker Navarro has been a transformative force for the Ohio Bobcats on the field while establishing himself as the consummate student-athlete in the classroom. The Tempe, Arizona, native becomes the first NFF National Scholar-Athlete in the history of the Ohio program.
Navarro graduated summa cum laude in August 2023 with a degree in Integrated Health Studies and a 3.96 GPA, and he completed a master’s in management in December 2024 with a 3.95 GPA. A 2024 Academic All-Mid-American Conference selection, he is currently pursuing a sports nutrition certificate.
A three-year letterman and two-year team captain, Navarro led the Bobcats in 2024 to their first MAC title since 1968, earning MAC Championship Offensive Player of the Game honors. The 2024 season also marked the program’s first 11-win season and was capped by a Cure Bowl victory where Navarro earned MVP honors. His contributions also helped the Bobcats notch a win in the 2023 Myrtle Beach Bowl, giving the program six straight bowl game wins, the first MAC program ever to accomplish the feat.
In 2024, Navarro became the first quarterback in Ohio program history to surpass 2,000 passing yards and 1,000 rushing yards in a single season and is only the second Bobcat quarterback to ever log more than 1,000 rushing yards in a season. During his career, he accumulated 335 completions for 4,122 yards and 25 touchdowns, adding 268 rushes for 1,669 yards and 22 TDs in his Ohio career. In 2024, he led the MAC with 8.3 points per game.
Thus far in 2025, he has passed for 1,471 yards and 9 touchdowns while rushing for 441 yards and 4 touchdowns, leading the MAC in total yards (1,912) and yards per game (273.1) while ranking third in passing efficiency (145.4). Navarro also played two seasons (2020–21) at UCF.
Off the field, Navarro has represented Ohio at MAC Media Day.
(All stats as of Oct. 22, 2025)
Sawyer Robertson, QB – Baylor
3.73 GPA – Marketing
Head Coach: Dave Aranda | Athletics Director: Mack Rhoades
Faculty Athletics Representative: Dr. Carson Mencken
Robert A. Simms Scholar-Athlete Award
A humble and tenacious leader who is fiercely dedicated to his teammates, Sawyer Robertson has emerged as one of the most productive passers in the nation while excelling in the classroom at the highest levels. The Lubbock, Texas, native becomes the fifth NFF National Scholar-Athlete from Baylor and the first since 2015.
A standout student, Robertson is on pace to graduate this December with a degree in marketing, maintaining a 3.73 GPA. His academic achievements include 2024 CSC Academic All-District and Academic All-Big 12 honors, along with appearances on the Big 12 Commissioner’s Honor Roll and the Dean’s List.
Through seven games in 2025, Robertson leads the nation in passing yards (2,376), passing yards per game (339.4), passing touchdowns (21-tied), points responsible for (138-tied), and points responsible for per game (19.7-tied). He ranks second in total offense (339.3 yards per game) while ranking No. 4 for completions per game (26.14).
Robertson’s career totals include 478 completions for 6,311 yards and 51 touchdowns at Baylor while adding 298 rushing yards and 6 scores on the ground. He led the Bears to a remarkable turnaround in 2024, guiding the team from a 2-4 start to an 8-5 finish and a Texas Bowl berth. This year, he has guided Baylor to a 4-3 start. He transferred from Mississippi State after spending the 2021 and 2022 seasons in Starkville.
A two-year letterman and frequent game captain, Robertson’s accolades from the 2024 season include Honorable Mention All-Big 12 honors from College Football Network, Second Team All-Texas QB recognition from Dave Campbell’s Texas Football.
Robertson has participated in the Baylor Blitz Kids Camp; the No Limitations Super Bowl, a flag football game for children with special needs; visits to the Houston Children’s Hospital; and the Mission Waco Toy Drive for underprivileged children. He also took part in Baylor’s inaugural Champions [re]Defined spiritual retreat, where student-athletes reflect on what it means to succeed both on the field and in life.
(All stats as of Oct. 22, 2025)
Eli Stowers, TE – Vanderbilt
3.92 GPA – Individual Studies
Head Coach: Clark Lea | Athletics Director: Candice Storey Lee
Faculty Athletics Representative: Tracey George
National Football League Scholar-Athlete Award
A gifted athlete and natural leader, Eli Stowers has emerged as one of the nation’s top tight ends while exemplifying the ideal student-athlete. The Denton, Texas, native becomes the fourth NFF National Scholar-Athlete from Vanderbilt and the first since 2002.
Stowers graduated from New Mexico State in May 2024 as a Crimson Scholar (3.92 GPA) before earning his master’s degree in finance from Vanderbilt in May 2025. He is continuing postgraduate studies in legal studies and has been named to the SEC Academic Honor Roll and Dean’s List three times.
A 2025 team captain and three-year letterman with stops at Texas A&M and New Mexico State, Stowers earned First Team All-SEC and Phil Steele Third Team All-America honors in 2024. Last season, he led the Commodores to their first winning season (7-6) and first bowl victory since 2013 with a Birmingham Bowl win. His play fueled Vanderbilt’s first-ever win over a No. 1 team (Alabama) and first victory over Alabama since 1984. The Dores also notched their first road win at Auburn and first wins over both Alabama and Auburn in the same season since 1955. At New Mexico State, he guided the Aggies to a 10-3 regular season and a berth in the CUSA Championship Game.
Thus far in 2025, Stowers tops the Commodores with 28 receptions for 355 yards. He has 2 touchdowns through seven games, helping the team achieve a 6-1 start and a No. 10 ranking, the school’s highest ranking since 1947. Last season, he recorded 49 receptions for 638 yards and 5 touchdowns, ranking among the most productive seasons by a Vanderbilt tight end in nearly three decades. During the 2023 season at New Mexico State, he recorded 35 catches for 366 yards and 2 touchdowns. Also, playing quarterback during his career, he completed five passes for 116 yards and 2 touchdowns.
Stowers has played an active role in Brother B’s, an on-campus ministry; volunteered at Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital; participated in Social Impact Day with the Pencil Foundation and Metro Nashville Public Schools; visited veterans’ hospitals; and supported causes like the Dancing Dores fundraiser and the SAAC Holiday Party.
(All stats as of Oct. 22, 2025)
Jack Strand, QB – Minnesota State Moorhead
3.87 GPA – Engineering Physics
Head Coach: Steve Laqua | Athletics Director: Chad Markuson
Faculty Athletics Representatives: Dr. Ellen Fagerstrom & Dr. Julia Poplin
E. Doug Kenna Scholar-Athlete Award
A record-setting quarterback and consummate team leader, Jack Strand has transformed Minnesota State Moorhead football into one of the premier programs in the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference (NSIC) while embodying the true spirit of the student-athlete. The Bloomer, Wisconsin, native becomes the second NFF National Scholar-Athlete from the Dragons program and the first since 1998.
Excelling in the classroom, Strand maintains a 3.87 GPA as an engineering physics major. A 2024 CSC Second Team Academic All-American and two-time CSC Academic All-District honoree, Strand claimed the D2 ADA Academic Achievement Award and was selected as a 2024 NCAA Division II 50th Anniversary Scholarship recipient in 2024.
A three-year letterman and two-year team captain, Strand entered the 2025 season already holding five school career records, which now stand at 11,908 passing yards, 108 touchdowns, 1,139 completions, 1,796 attempts, and 11,797 yards of total offense. The 2023 NSIC Offensive Player of the Year, Strand is a two-time Honorable Mention All-American, three-time All-NSIC performer, and member of the 2024 D2Football.com Elite 100 Squad. This season, he leads the conference and ranks No. 2 in the nation for passing yards (2,293), passing yards per game (327.57), completions per game (27.86), passing touchdowns (24), points responsible for (166) and total offense (345.0 ypg), solidifying his reputation as one of Division II’s most prolific passers.
With Strand under center, the Dragons have posted back-to-back winning seasons for the first time in over a decade, going 7-4 in 2023 and 6-5 in 2024. He guided the team to milestone victories, including the program’s first ranked wins over Minnesota Duluth and Augustana (SD), as well as its first-ever win over Sioux Falls (SD).
Beyond football, Strand is active in the weekly campus ministry and Bible studies.
(All stats as of Oct. 22, 2025)
Andon Thomas, LB – Army West Point
3.98 GPA – Chemical Engineering
Head Coach: Jeff Monken | Athletics Director: Tom Theodorakis
Faculty Athletics Representative: Dr. Joseph P. Hanus
New York Athletic Club Scholar-Athlete Award
Andon Thomas has become a key leader on the Army West Point defense while excelling in the classroom and balancing the rigorous demands of attending one of our nation’s military academies. The Liberty Hill, Texas, native becomes the 18th NFF National Scholar-Athlete from Army West Point, joining teammate and 2023 honoree Leo Lowin.
Carrying a 3.98 GPA as a chemical engineering major, Thomas was named a CSC First Team Academic All-American in 2024. He also was honored as a CSC Academic All-District pick and a Go Bowling Military Bowl STEM Scholar Athlete.
A 2025 team captain and two-year letterman, Thomas led the Black Knights and ranked eighth in the conference last season with 98 tackles, along with 3.5 tackles for loss, 0.5 sacks, two interceptions, four pass breakups, and one fumble recovery. Thus far in 2025, he leads the team with 59 tackles and ranks fifth in the American Conference, averaging 8.4 tackles per game while adding a tackle for loss and two pass breakups.
A Third Team All-conference pick, Thomas anchored a historic defensive unit last year that led the nation in red zone efficiency (60%), tied for fourth nationally in scoring defense (15.5 points per game), and paced the American in total defense (297.9 yards per game), the only team in the conference to hold opponents under 300 yards per contest. His efforts helped propel Army in 2024 to a 12-2 record; the American title (the program’s first year in the conference and first conference title in school annals), and a No. 21 final national ranking.
Thomas volunteers with youth programs and represents the Academy at public events. He plans to pursue advanced research in chemical engineering to address the technical challenges faced by the U.S. Army, hoping to return to West Point as a faculty member.
(All stats as of Oct. 22, 2025)
Jackson Waring, QB – Grand View (IA)
3.88 GPA – Psychology
Head Coach: E.J. Peterson | Athletics Director: Troy Plummer
Faculty Athletics Representative: Dr. Zeb Sullivan
Coach Bob Blackman Scholar-Athlete Award
A selfless and humble leader, Jackson Waring has distinguished himself as one of the most complete student-athletes in the NAIA, combining academic excellence and quarterbacking Grand View (IA) to the 2024 national title. The Ankeny, Iowa, native becomes the first NFF National Scholar-Athlete in program history.
Graduating in May 2024 with a degree in psychology and a 3.88 GPA, Waring is currently pursuing a master’s in organizational leadership. A five-time Dean’s List honoree, he earned recognition as a 2024 Daktronics NAIA Scholar-Athlete and was part of an undergraduate research team that won the 2023 Shape Symposium Award in psychology for their study on fears and phobias.
The 2024 NAIA National Player of the Year, Waring led the Vikings to a perfect 14-0 record, culminating in a Heart North Conference title and the NAIA national championship. A three-year letterman and three-year team captain, he also guided the Vikings to an undefeated 2023 regular season (10-0), a trip to the NAIA Quarterfinals, and a final No. 3 national ranking.
A Third Team NAIA All-American, Waring has also earned honors as a two-time Heart of America First Team All-Conference selection and a two-time Heart North Player of the Year. During his three years with the Vikings, Waring has thrown for 3,047 yards and 35 touchdowns while adding 761 yards and 10 scores on the ground. Waring began his career at Illinois State, where he appeared in 10 games and threw for 879 yards and six touchdowns in 2021, adding two more rushing touchdowns.
Beyond football, Waring leads a weekly Bible study for his teammates.
(All stats as of Oct. 22, 2025)
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