IRVING, Texas –
Arjun Lothe of Indiana Wesleyan Football has been named a semifinalist for the 2026 William V. Campbell Trophy®, college football's premier scholar-athlete award. The senior quarterback is one of 206 semifinalists that were announced on Wednesday morning by the National Football Foundation & College Hall of Fame (NFF). Collectively, the semifinalists boast a 3.64 average GPA and include 130 team captains, 24 All-Americans and 98 players who have already earned their undergraduate degrees. Lothe is one of only three to make the list from the NAIA, and he's the fourth-consecutive Wildcat to qualify as a semifinalist along with
Deven Arevalo (2025), Levi Tidwell (2024) and Xander Stokes (2023).
Celebrating its 37th year, the Campbell Trophy® recognizes an individual as the absolute best football scholar-athlete in the nation 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.
2026 WILLIAM V. CAMPBELL TROPHY® SEMIFINALISTS NOTES
- 37th year of the William V. Campbell Trophy®
- 68th year of the NFF National Scholar-Athlete Awards Presented by Fidelity Investments
- 206 Semifinalists
- 3.64 Average GPA
- 98 Nominees who have already earned their bachelor's degrees
- 7 Nominees with a perfect 4.0 GPA
- 87 Nominees with a 3.7 GPA or better
- 20 Academic All-America selections
- 130 Captains
- 24 All-Americans
- 114 All-Conference picks
2025 WILLIAM V. CAMPBELL TROPHY® SEMIFINALISTS BY DIVISION AND POSITION
- 95 Nominees from the NCAA Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS)
- 45 Nominees from the NCAA Football Championship Subdivision (FCS)
- 19 Nominees from NCAA Division II
- 44 Nominees from NCAA Division III
- 3 Nominees from the NAIA
- 111 Offensive Players
- 82 Defensive Players
- 13 Special Teams Players
Lothe has made a lasting impact at IWU through his leadership, faith, and service. As a team captain, family leader, and team chaplain, he encourages spiritual growth and accountability among his teammates. He also represents his program as Co-President of IWU's Association of Student Athletes.
Beyond the football field, Lothe has invested in the lives of young people. Through "Project Gold," he has helped raise awareness and support for children at Peyton Manning Children's Hospital. He also mentors students at Frances Slocum Elementary School, where he offers guidance and a positive example to children during their formative years.
The NFF will announce 12 to 16 finalists on Oct. 21, and each of them will receive an $18,000 postgraduate scholarship as a member of the 2026 NFF National Scholar-Athlete Class Presented by Fidelity Investments. One of the finalists will be named the winner of the 37th Campbell Trophy® during the 68th NFF Annual Awards Dinner Presented by Las Vegas on Dec. 8 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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