The William Campbell Trophy, colloquially known as the “Academic Heisman,” has trimmed its list of 204 semifinalists down to 16 finalists. On Wednesday, the National Football Foundation (NFF) and College Hall of Fame announced the finalists and the Big Ten has two representatives. Before, the conference had 16 semifinalists, one from each school except for UCLA and Washington.
The William Campbell Trophy recognizes an individual as the top player in the nation for his combined academic success, performance on the football field, and leadership. As finalists, each player receives a $18,000 postgraduate scholarship as a member of the 2024 NFF National Scholar-Athlete Class.
Big 10 William Campbell Trophy Finalists
Dillon Gabriel, QB, Oregon
The quarterback for the number-one team in the nation, Dillon Gabriel, has earned a place among the William Campbell Trophy honorees.
Gabriel is in his sixth year of college football after spending four at UCF and then two at Oklahoma. With the Knights, Gabriel was a two-time Academic All-AAC honoree. He completed a multidisciplinary studies degree at Oklahoma in May with a 3.43 GPA. As a member of the Ducks, Gabriel enrolled in a post-baccalaureate program.
Gabriel has been a star on the gridiron ever since he began playing. He earned Second-Team All-AAC honors in 2022, Second-Team All-Big 12 in 2022, and First-Team All-Big 12 in 2023. When it comes to the history of college football, few quarterbacks have been as prolific. His 18,115 total offensive yards and 171 total touchdowns are second-most all-time and his 16,963 passing yards and 140 touchdowns are third-most. He is 2,017 total yards, seven total touchdowns, 2,272 passing yards, and 15 passing touchdowns away from earning the top spot in each. He’s also five appearances from breaking his predecessor Bo Nix‘s record of 61 starts in a career.
Gabriel has helped build more than 200 beds for underprivileged children. He also bought Nike uniforms for his Alma Mater in Hawai’i.
The quarterback is the fifth Oregon player to be a William Campbell Trophy finalist. He looks to be the third Duck to win it after Nix (2023) and Justin Herbert (2019).
Seth McLaughlin, Center, Ohio State
Representing the 23rd Ohio State finalist, tied for most in the country (Nebraska), Seth McLaughlin has been a leader both on and off the field for the Buckeyes. McLaughlin graduated summa cum laude from Alabama after three-and-a-half years with a perfect 4.00 GPA. He continued his studies and earned a master’s in sports hospitality management in December of 2023 prior to transferring to Ohio State. Since joining the Buckeyes, he began working toward a third degree, this time in human development and family services.
At Alabama, McLaughlin was a four-time SEC Academic Honor Roll honoree.
On the field, McLaughlin has been an integral cog for the 5-1 Buckeyes’ offensive line. He was named to six Midseason First-Team All-American teams (AP, The Athletic, CBS Sports, The Sporting News, Athlon Sports, and The Senior Bowl). In the preseason, he was named as one of six Big Ten centers on the Rimington Trophy watchlist. He is expected to land on numerous semifinalist and finalist lists as the season closes.
Ohio State’s offensive line is a quarterfinalist for the Joe Moore Award, awarded to the nation’s top offensive line. The unit has allowed just five sacks and 16 tackles for loss (third-best in FBS).
In his community, McLaughlin volunteered at the OSU four-miler which benefitted the Ohio State Comprehensive Cancer Center. He also took part in the “Run Out 5K” for muscular dystrophy. In addition to those, McLaughlin has volunteered with Habitat for Humanity, Read Across America, Alberta Head Start, and the Veterans Administration Medical Center.
Ryan Day speaks highly of his William Campbell Trophy finalist:
“Seth is a young man who has distinguished himself athletically, academically and leadership-wise, and I congratulate him and the 15 other outstanding student-athletes who are finalists for this most prestigious award. The entire Ohio State football program is extremely proud of Seth and for his family.”
McLaughlin is seeking to become Ohio State’s third winner of the William Campbell Trophy, joining Bobby Hoying (1995) and Craig Krenzel (2003).
The Rest of the Finalists
- Tahj Brooks, RB – Texas Tech
- Robert Coury, LB – Carnegie Mellon [PA]
- Jaxson Dart, QB – Ole Miss
- Beau Freyler, DB – Iowa State
- Ashton Gillotte, DL – Louisville
- Brody Grebe, DE – Montana State
- Mark Gronowski, QB – South Dakota State
- Terrance Hollon, LB – Howard
- Jack Kiser, LB – Notre Dame
- Luke Lehnen, QB – North Central [IL]
- Brayden Long, QB – Slippery Rock [PA]
- Jake Majors, C – Texas
- Jalen Milroe, QB – Alabama
- Jackson Woodard, LB – UNLV
The finalists will travel to the Bellagio Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas for the 66th NFF Annual Awards Dinner Presented by Las Vegas on December 10, 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 the winner of the 35th Campbell Trophy and have his postgraduate scholarship increased to $25,000
