The list of semifinalists for the William V. Campbell trophy are a who's who of the best student-athletes in college football, every single year. For the second straight season, Hillsdale College has a player who made the cut in senior wide receiver Logan VanEnkevort.

The Campbell Trophy, awarded annually by the National Football Foundation, is considered by many to be the "Academic" Heisman and one of the most prestigious honors a college football player can receive. Celebrating its 35th year, the Trophy recognizes an individual as the absolute best football scholar-athlete in the nation for his combined academic success, football performance and exemplary leadership.

VanEnkevort is one of a record 203 semifinalists from all classifications of college football under consideration for the Campbell Trophy. That group is an impressive collection of student-athletes, with a 3.63 average GPA, 26 Academic All-America selections, 31 All-America selections, and 129 All-Conference picks. 

"These 203 semifinalists reflect not only exceptional academic and athletic talent but also the deep-rooted leadership that shows a commitment to excellence in all aspects of their lives, which is learned on the gridiron," said NFF Chairman Archie Manning, whose sons Peyton (Campbell Trophy® winner) and Eli were named NFF National Scholar-Athletes in 1997 and 2003, respectively. "The Campbell Trophy® continues to represent the pinnacle of what it means to be a scholar-athlete, and this year's candidates exemplify how football builds future leaders who will undoubtedly shape tomorrow's world."

The senior from Holt, Michigan fits in well with the list of nominees. Throughout his career, VanEnkevort has shown a willingness to contribute in any way possible to the Chargers cause. In 2023, as a junior VanEnkevort played six different positions for Hillsdale, spending time as a tailback, wide receiver, holder, punt returner, kick returner and coverage specialist. VanEnkevort has started 27 games and played in 40 in five years at Hillsdale, totaling 136 rushes for 791 yards, six touchdowns and six yards per carry on the ground; 28 receptions, 353 yards, one touchdown and 12.25 yards per catch through the air; and 13 kick returns for 266 yards and 20.5 average yards per return. On top of his offensive production, VanEnkevort also has 12 tackles and a fumble recovery on special teams. He had his best all-around season to date as a junior in 2023, with 585 all-purpose yards and three touchdowns.

As impressive as he's been on the field, VanEnkevort arguably has been more of a standout in the classroom. A Biology major who is planning to attend medical school after graduation, VanEnkevort earned a LAUREATES grant to research the effects of zingerone on AHL-utilizing biofilms. A consistent presence on both the Academic All-Conference and ADA All-Academic awards lists, VanEnkevort is set to graduate Magna Cum Laude this spring.

A senior captain on Hillsdale's football team, VanEnkevort has been a leader on the field and in the community throughout his time with the Chargers. He's volunteered all five years of college with Hillsdale's NMDP/Be The Match Bone Marrow drive to find donors for bone marrow transplants and has been one of the program's organizers at Hillsdale the last two years. He also has spend four years working with local fourth graders to build confidence and etiquette through the Chargers' Guys With Ties Program. VanEnkevort also serves on the Executive Board of Hillsdale's branches of both the Science Honorary, Sigma Zeta, and the Biology Honorary, Beta Beta Beta.

The NFF will announce 12-14 finalists on Oct. 23, and each of them will receive an $18,000 postgraduate scholarship as a member of the 2024 NFF National Scholar-Athlete Class Presented by Fidelity Investments. The finalists will travel to the Bellagio Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas for the 66th NFF Annual Awards Dinner Presented by Las Vegas on Dec. 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 as the winner of the 34th Campbell Trophy® and have his postgraduate scholarship increased to $25,000. Click here for more information on the Awards Dinner, including options to purchase tickets online, special travel rates to the event from Delta Air Lines and room rates at the Bellagio.

Hillsdale's last Campbell Trophy finalist was quarterback Mark Nicolet, who was recognized in 2008.

Click here to read the NFF Press Release and see the full list of nominees.