Former Montana State Defensive End

Brody Grebe was a standout defensive end at Montana State and a William V. Campbell Trophy finalist, recognized nationally for academic and athletic achievement. A consistent presence on the defensive front, he combined production on the field with leadership off it. His career reflects the balance of performance and scholarship central to the award.

Former Nevada Linebacker

Jackson Woodard was one of the nation’s leading tacklers at UNLV and earned recognition as a 2023 William V. Campbell Trophy finalist for his performance on the field and in the classroom. A steady presence at linebacker, he led the Mountain West in tackles during his senior season. After his college career, he signed with the Seattle Seahawks.

Former Iowa & South Dakota State Quarterback

Mark Gronowski was a four-year starter and three-time captain at South Dakota State, leading the Jackrabbits to back-to-back FCS national championships and winning the 2023 Walter Payton Award as the FCS’s top offensive player. He was named a finalist for the 2024 William V. Campbell Trophy in recognition of his academic and on-field excellence. Gronowski played his final season of eligibility as for the Iowa Hawkeyes.

Former Slippery Rock Quarterback

Brayden Long led Slippery Rock at quarterback, directing the offense and embracing the responsibility that comes with the position. A 2024 William V. Campbell Trophy finalist, he balanced leadership on the field with academic excellence throughout his career.

Former Iowa State Tight End

Dr. Craig Mahoney is an orthopaedic surgeon specializing in sports medicine and joint reconstruction . As a tight end at Iowa State and Campbell Trophy Finalist, he learned the physical and mental demands of preparation, resilience, and trust in teammates. Football’s emphasis on toughness and detail now informs the way he approaches patient care and leadership in medicine.

Former Iowa State Defensive Back

Beau Freyler starred as a defensive back at Iowa State, where he was a two-time team captain, a William V. Campbell Trophy finalist, and a First-Team Academic All-American with a 3.90 GPA. After his playing career, he moved into coaching and now serves on the Penn State football staff in a defensive quality control role, applying the instincts, preparation, and leadership he developed on the field.

Former Louisville Defensive End

Ashton Gillotte was a First-Team All-ACC defensive end at Louisville and a finalist for the William V. Campbell Trophy, recognizing excellence on the field and in the classroom. One of the conference’s most productive pass rushers, he was selected in the third round of the 2025 NFL Draft by the Kansas City Chiefs. He now competes in the NFL, carrying forward the discipline and consistency that defined his college career.

Former North Central College Quarterback

Luke Lehnen starred at North Central College, leading the Cardinals to a 57–2 record and two NCAA Division III national titles while setting all-division career records for passing efficiency and total touchdowns responsible for. In 2024 he was named a William V. Campbell Trophy finalist and was a two-time Gagliardi Trophy winner as Division III’s most outstanding player.

Former Penn Quarterback

A 1994 William V. Campbell Trophy finalist, Matthew Rader started at quarterback for the 1997 and 1998 Quakers teams. Rader completed 336-of-568 passes for 3,858 yards and 20 touchdowns in two seasons. He was named the 1998 Penn Offensive Player of the Year, and he was named Second Team All-Ivy League. He graduated from Penn with a Bachelor of Science in finance.

Former Notre Dame Offensive Lineman

Burger played offensive guard at Notre Dame as a walk-on from the 1977 national championship team, earned First-Team Academic All-America honors and the Dolly Cohen scholar-athlete award, and now serves as a leading orthopaedic surgeon and team physician.

Former Ohio Quarterback

Parker Navarro is the first NFF National Scholar-Athlete in Ohio University history, graduating summa cum laude with a degree in Integrated Health Studies (3.96 GPA) and completing a master’s in management with a 3.95 GPA. A three-year letterman and two-year team captain, he led the Bobcats to their first MAC title since 1968

Former Austin Peay Offensive Lineman

Chandler Kirton started all 12 games on the Governors’ offensive line and was a First-Team All-UAC selection while maintaining a 3.92 GPA in management. He graduated summa cum laude in December 2024 and is pursuing an MBA with a perfect 4.0 GPA. A two-year team captain and multi-year All-Conference honoree, he was a 2025 NFF National Scholar-Athlete.

Former Minnesota State Moorhead Quarterback

Jack Strand broke school and conference passing records while leading the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference in multiple offensive categories. He posted a 3.87 GPA in Engineering Physics and earned NFF National Scholar-Athlete honors, CSC Academic All-District selection, and CSC Academic All-America recognition.

Former Grand View Quarterback

Jackson Waring is the first NFF National Scholar-Athlete in Grand View’s history. A three-year letterman and team captain, he played a pivotal role in Grand View’s undefeated 2024 season, culminating in an NAIA national championship. Waring graduated in May 2024 and is pursuing a master’s in organizational leadership.