CHARLOTTE, N.C. (theACC.com) – Fourteen Atlantic Coast Conference football student-athletes have been named semifinalists for the 2026 William V. Campbell Trophy®, the National Football Foundation (NFF) & College Hall of Fame announced Wednesday.
Recognized as college football’s premier scholar-athlete award, the Campbell Trophy® annually honors the nation’s top football scholar-athlete for his combined academic success, football performance and exemplary leadership. Now in its 37th year, the award features a record 206 semifinalists across all NCAA divisions and the NAIA, including 95 from the Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS).
The ACC’s 14 semifinalists are:
- Boston College – Luca Lombardo
- Clemson – Will Heldt
- Duke – Matt Craycraft
- Florida State – Duce Robinson
- Georgia Tech – Justice Haynes
- Louisville – Clev Lubin
- North Carolina – Christo Kelly
- NC State – Isaiah Shirley
- SMU – Joshua Bates
- Stanford – Niki Prongos
- Syracuse – David Clement
- Virginia – Will Bettridge
- Virginia Tech – Tyson Flowers
- Wake Forest – Gabe Kirschke
Each institution is limited to one nominee, with candidates required to be a senior in their final year of eligibility or a graduate student/graduate transfer who has already earned a degree. Candidates must also maintain at least a 3.2 cumulative undergraduate GPA, be a first-team player or significant contributor and demonstrate strong leadership and citizenship.
Collectively, this year’s 206 semifinalists have posted an impressive 3.64 average GPA, while 98 have already earned their undergraduate degrees. The group also includes 130 team captains, 24 All-Americans and 114 all-conference selections.
The NFF will announce 12 to 16 finalists on October 21. Each finalist will receive an $18,000 postgraduate scholarship and become a member of the 2026 NFF National Scholar-Athlete Class Presented by Fidelity Investments.
The finalists will be recognized at the 68th NFF Annual Awards Dinner Presented by Las Vegas on December 8 at the Bellagio Resort & Casino in Las Vegas. One finalist will be selected as the recipient of the 37th Campbell Trophy®, with his postgraduate scholarship increased to $25,000.
The NFF National Scholar-Athlete Awards Presented by Fidelity Investments are in their 68th year and have recognized 954 individuals. This year’s scholarships will push the program’s all-time distribution above $13.5 million.