KINGS POINT, N.Y. (Sept. 25, 2026) – The National Football Foundation (NFF) & College Hall of Fame announced earlier this week that U.S. Merchant Marine Academy senior linebacker and team captain Aidan Graham (Allen, Texas) has been named one of a record 206 semifinalists for the 2026 William V. Campbell Trophy®, college football's premier scholar-athlete award.
 
The Campbell Trophy®, now in its 37th year, recognizes the top football scholar-athlete in the nation for combined academic success, football performance and exemplary leadership. This year's group of 206 semifinalists is the largest in the history of the award and includes 130 team captains, 24 All-Americans and 98 student-athletes who have already earned their undergraduate degrees.
 
Each school is limited to one nominee, with candidates required to carry at least a 3.2 cumulative undergraduate GPA, be a starter or significant contributor on the field, and demonstrate strong leadership and citizenship.
 
"Every year, I'm amazed by what these young men are able to accomplish," said NFF Chairman Archie Manning, whose sons Peyton and Eli were both recognized as NFF National Scholar-Athletes. "Playing college football takes an enormous commitment, and to perform at a high level on the field while also excelling in the classroom and serving as a leader on campus is something special. These 206 semifinalists have a lot to be proud of, and it's a privilege to recognize their accomplishments."
 
Graham was selected as one of the Mariners' 2026 team captains during the preseason and entered the year as a three-year letterwinner and returning starter at linebacker. Through the end of the 2025 season, he had appeared in 25 career games with 22 starts, totaling 130 tackles, including 70 solo stops, 19 tackles for loss and 7.5 sacks. He has also recorded one interception, one pass defended, three forced fumbles and one fumble recovery.
 
The senior earned First Team All-NEWMAC honors at linebacker in 2025 and has helped Merchant Marine make two bowl appearances, including a victory in the 2025 Fusion Bowl, while also being part of two Secretaries' Cup victories over arch-rival Coast Guard.
 
In the classroom, Graham is majoring in Marine Engineering & Shipyard Management and carries a 3.38 cumulative GPA. He has earned multiple Gold and Silver Stars for academic achievement and plans to pursue either a Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering or a Master of Business Administration following graduation.
 
Graham has also distinguished himself as a leader within the Regiment of Midshipmen. He currently serves as 5th Company Watch Officer and previously served as 5th Company Fitness Petty Officer. He was also a member of the Indoctrination Cadre for the Class of 2029, helping train and mentor incoming plebe candidates, and received the Outstanding Performance and Leadership Award for 5th Company during Indoctrination.
 
His experiences away from Kings Point have included serving as an engine cadet aboard the USNS Richard E. Byrd and the Maersk Kensington, as well as completing internships in shipyard management and naval aviation. During his Sea Year assignments, Graham worked alongside licensed engineering officers in commercial and Military Sealift Command operations across the Indo-Pacific, Africa and the Middle East.
 
The NFF will announce 12 to 16 finalists on Oct. 21. Each finalist will receive an $18,000 postgraduate scholarship as a member of the 2026 NFF National Scholar-Athlete Class Presented by Fidelity Investments. The finalists will travel to Las Vegas for the 68th NFF Annual Awards Dinner on Dec. 8, where one member of the class will be named the winner of the 37th William V. Campbell Trophy® and have his postgraduate scholarship increased to $25,000.
 
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