Football is Back! NFF Celebrates Greatness.
IRVING, Texas (July 30, 2025) – The National Football Foundation (NFF) is pleased to announce a series of upcoming releases scheduled throughout August and into the fall. These announcements will spotlight the 2025 recipients of the NFF’s Major Awards, recognize individuals and institutions making an impact through football, and highlight key developments in the sport.
All honorees will be celebrated at the 67th NFF Annual Awards Dinner Presented by Las Vegas, taking place December 9 at the Bellagio Hotel & Resort in Las Vegas.
Media representatives are encouraged to mark their calendars and stay tuned for the following scheduled announcements:
August 5, 2025 – NFF John L. Toner Award Announcement
Honoring an athletics director who has demonstrated superior administrative abilities and a special dedication to college football.
August 6, 2025 – NFF Legacy Awards Announcement
Recognizing individuals and organizations that have made extraordinary contributions to the NFF and/or embody its mission.
August 12, 2025 – Colleges/Universities Adding Football Release
Highlighting schools launching football programs in 2025 and beyond, showcasing the sport’s continued national growth.
August 13, 2025 – New Rules Release
Outlining rule changes aimed at enhancing player safety and improving the game-day experience.
August 14, 2025 – NFF On-Campus Salutes Schedule, Presented by Fidelity Investments
Revealing the schedule of On-Campus Salutes honoring members of the 2025 College Football Hall of Fame Class during home games at their alma maters.
August 19, 2025 – “I Played” Website Launch
The National Football Foundation is collecting personal stories that celebrate the lifelong impact of football—on and off the field. As part of the “I Played” initiative, the NFF is launching a new dedicated website that features regular content updates, showcase videos, feature stories, and a streamlined sign-up and upload experience to share stories from anyone whose life has been shaped by the game.
August 21, 2025 – NFF Distinguished American Award Announcement
Presented on special occasions to an individual whose long-standing leadership and contributions have advanced amateur football in the United States.
August 26, 2025 – NFF Chris Schenkel Award Announcement
Recognizing a longtime broadcaster who has made a lasting impact on college football through a distinguished career.
August 27, 2025 – Graduates Playing Football Release
Listing returning players who have already earned their degrees, exemplifying the student-athlete ideal.
Sept. 16, 2025 – NFF Chapter Leadership Awards Announcement
Honoring five regional leaders for their dedication, generosity, and leadership at the grassroots level in advancing the NFF’s mission.
September 24, 2025 – NFF William V. Campbell Trophy® Semifinalists Announcement
Unveiling the semifinalists for college football’s premier scholar-athlete award.
October 22, 2025 – NFF William V. Campbell Trophy® Finalists Announcement
Announcing the finalists for the Campbell Trophy®, the top honor for college football student-athletes.
December 9, 2025 – 67th NFF Annual Awards Dinner Presented by Las Vegas
The event serves as the culmination of the college football regular season, taking place at the Bellagio Hotel & Resort in Las Vegas. It will feature the induction of the 2025 NFF College Football Hall of Fame Class; the presentation of the 2025 NFF National Scholar-Athlete Awards Presented by Fidelity Investments; and the bestowing of the 36th William V. Campbell Trophy® to college football’s top scholar-athlete. Click here for more information and/or to buy tickets.
ABOUT THE NATIONAL FOOTBALL FOUNDATION & COLLEGE HALL OF FAME
Founded in 1947 with early leadership from General Douglas MacArthur, legendary Army coach Earl “Red” Blaik and immortal journalist Grantland Rice, The National Football Foundation & College Hall of Fame is a non-profit educational organization that runs programs designed to use the power of amateur football in developing academic excellence, citizenship, and athletic achievement in young people. With 120 chapters in 47 states, NFF programs include the criteria, selection and induction of members of the NFF College Football Hall of Fame; the Chick-fil-A College Football Hall of Fame museum in Atlanta; Future For Football; I Played; the William V. Campbell Trophy®; the NFF National Scholar-Athlete Awards Presented by Fidelity Investments; the NFF National High School Academic Excellence Awards presented by the Rose Bowl Legacy Foundation & the NFF Hatchell Cup presented by Bob’s Steak & Chop House; and a series of programs and initiatives to honor the legends of the past and inspire the leaders of the future. NFF corporate partners include Bruin Capital, CAA Executive Search, Catapult, Delta Air Lines, Fidelity Investments, Hampshire Companies, Jostens, Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority, New York Athletic Club, Pasadena Tournament of Roses, the Rose Bowl Legacy Foundation, SideQuests and the Sports Business Journal. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter @NFFNetwork and learn more at footballfoundation.org.
The National Football Foundation & College Hall of Fame
Preserving the Past, Promoting the Present, Preparing the Future, and Protecting the Game Through Programs and Initiatives that Support
• 772 Colleges & Universities • Over 81,000 College Football Players
• 15,810 High Schools • Over 1.04 Million High School Football Players
