Rutgers Michael O’Connor Named 2026 NFF William V. Campbell Trophy Semifinalist

PISCATAWAY, NJ - OCTOBER 22: Rutgers long snapper Michael O’Connor was recently named a semifinalist for the 2026 National Football Foundation (NFF) William V. Campbell Trophy. O’Connor joined 206 other college football players in being recognized for their academic success, athletic prowess, and exemplary leadership skills. The prestigious NFF Campbell Trophy is college football's top scholar-athlete award, honoring the nation's finest student-athletes.

O’Connor, throughout his Rutgers career, was named an academic All-Big Ten four times and earned recognition as a Big Ten Distinguished Scholar. He is also on the watch list for the prestigious Allstate Wuerffel Trophy and the Allstate American Football Coaches Association Good Works Team for off-field service. O’Connor, originally from Middletown, New Jersey, has consistently contributed to the Rutgers football program and the community through the school's Chop4Change initiative.

To qualify for the Campbell Trophy, a student-athlete must be a senior or graduate student, maintain a minimum 3.2 GPA on a 4.0 scale, showcase exceptional football abilities, and exhibit outstanding leadership and citizenship qualities. The NFF will announce 12 to 16 finalists on Oct. 21, with each finalist receiving an $18,000 postgraduate scholarship.

The finalists will be honored at the 68th NFF Annual Awards Dinner in Las Vegas on Dec. 8, where the winner of the 37th Campbell Trophy will be announced. Past winners of this esteemed award include NFL legends such as Peyton Manning, Bo Nix, and Justin Herbert.