IRVING, Texas – Deven Arevalo of the Indiana Wesleyan football team has been named a semifinalist for the 2025 William V. Campbell Trophy®, college football's premier scholar-athlete award. The senior safety is one of 179 semifinalists that were announced on Wednesday morning by the National Football Foundation & College Hall of Fame (NFF). The impressive list of candidates boasts an impressive 3.60 average GPA, with more than half of the semifinalists having already earned their bachelor's degrees. Arevalo is one of only seven to make the list from the NAIA, and he's the third-consecutive Wildcat to qualify as a semifinalist along with Levi Tidwell (2024) and Xander Stokes (2023).
 
Celebrating its 36th year, the Campbell Trophy® recognizes an individual as the absolute best in the country for his combined academic success, football performance and exemplary leadership. Nominated by their schools, candidates for the awards must be a senior or graduate student in their final year of playing eligibility, have a GPA of at least 3.2 on a 4.0 scale, have outstanding football ability as a first team player or significant contributor and have demonstrated strong leadership and citizenship. The class is selected each year by the NFF Awards Committee, which is comprised of a nationally recognized group of media, College Football Hall of Famers and athletics administrators.

"Deven is a great player, but what has made him special is the high standards he has set for himself in and off the field," said Head Coach Andrew Rode. "He excels in the classroom and takes that same focus to the field every day."

2025 WILLIAM V. CAMPBELL TROPHY® SEMIFINALISTS NOTES

• 36^th year of the William V. Campbell Trophy®
• 67^th year of the NFF National Scholar-Athlete Awards Presented by Fidelity Investments
• 179 Semifinalists
• 3.60 Average GPA
• 92 Nominees who have already earned their bachelor's degrees
• 5 Nominees who have earned a master's degree
• 5 Nominees with a perfect 4.0 GPA
• 56 Nominees with a 3.8 GPA or better
• 74 Nominees with a 3.7 GPA or better
• 14 Academic All-America selections
• 113 Captains
• 20 All-Americans
• 95 All-Conference picks

2025 WILLIAM V. CAMPBELL TROPHY® SEMIFINALISTS BY DIVISION AND POSITION

• 79 Nominees from the NCAA Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS)
• 45 Nominees from the NCAA Football Championship Subdivision (FCS)
• 15 Nominees from NCAA Division II
• 33 Nominees from NCAA Division III
• 7 Nominees from the NAIA
• 89 Offensive Players
• 76 Defensive Players
• 14 Special Teams Players

Arevalo has made a lasting impact at IWU through his leadership, service, and dedication to building community. While contributing to the success of the football program as a team captain, he has also embraced opportunities to mentor, guide, and support others both on campus and in the wider community.

As a small group leader for the team, Arevalo has taken an active role in fostering spiritual growth among his teammates. His leadership has provided a space for fellowship, accountability, and encouragement.

Beyond the football field, Arevalo has invested in the lives of young people through his mentorship at Real Community Church Preschool and Francis Slocum Elementary School. His involvement has allowed him to pour into the next generation, offering guidance, care, and a positive example for children during their formative years.

The NFF will announce 12-16 finalists on Oct. 22, and each of them will receive an $18,000 postgraduate scholarship as a member of the 2025 NFF National Scholar-Athlete Class Presented by Fidelity Investments. One of the finalists will be named the winner of the 36th Campbell Trophy® during the 67th NFF Annual Awards Dinner Presented by Las Vegas on Dec. 9 and have his postgraduate scholarship increased to $25,000.

To read the full release from the National Football Foundation & College Hall of Fame, click here.






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