10/21/2026 10:00:00 AM | Football
Quarterback also becomes member of NFF National Scholar-Athlete Class
IRVING, Texas – For the first time since the award's creation in 1990, TCU has earned a spot among the finalists for the William V. Campbell trophy - the nation's "Academic Heisman" - as quarterback Jaden Craig was named to the prestigious list on Wednesday.
With his inclusion, Craig also becomes TCU's fourth football student-athlete to be named a National Football Foundation Scholar-Athlete and the first since 1981.
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.
Craig graduated from Harvard in December 2025 with a degree in economics and a 3.56 GPA. A two-time CSC Academic All-District selection, he earned FCS ADA Academic All-Star recognition and was named to the 2025 NFF Hampshire Honor Society. He is continuing his studies in economics at TCU.
As the Crimson's signal caller, Craig became the most accomplished quarterback in program history, finishing his career as the all-time leader in passing yards (6,074) and touchdown passes (52) along with setting single-season records for passing completions (208), touchdown passes (25) and passing yards (2,869) in 2025.
Through six games at TCU, Craig has posted numbers that are not only near the top of the conference, but the country. He is currently ranks second in the Big 12 in 300-yard passing performances (3) and ranks third in passing average per game (282.33). His passing average sits 12th nationally.
Beyond football, Craig participated in numerous community outreach events during his time at Harvard. His academic accomplishments, record-setting performances and immediate impact at TCU reflect his leadership skills that have allowed him to excel both on and off the field.
Craig and the finalists will travel to the Bellagio Resort & Casino in Las Vegas for the 68th NFF Annual Awards Dinner Presented by Las Vegas on Dec. 8, where their accomplishments will be highlighted in front of one of the most powerful audiences in all of sports. During the event, one member of the class will be declared as the winner of the 37th Campbell Trophy.
Nominated by their schools, which are limited to one nominee each, each candidate must be competing in the 2026 season as a senior in his final year of eligibility or a graduate student/graduate transfer who has already earned a degree; have a cumulative undergraduate 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 composed of a nationally recognized group of media, NFF College Football Hall of Famers and athletics administrators.
With his inclusion, Craig also becomes TCU's fourth football student-athlete to be named a National Football Foundation Scholar-Athlete and the first since 1981.
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.
Craig graduated from Harvard in December 2025 with a degree in economics and a 3.56 GPA. A two-time CSC Academic All-District selection, he earned FCS ADA Academic All-Star recognition and was named to the 2025 NFF Hampshire Honor Society. He is continuing his studies in economics at TCU.
As the Crimson's signal caller, Craig became the most accomplished quarterback in program history, finishing his career as the all-time leader in passing yards (6,074) and touchdown passes (52) along with setting single-season records for passing completions (208), touchdown passes (25) and passing yards (2,869) in 2025.
Through six games at TCU, Craig has posted numbers that are not only near the top of the conference, but the country. He is currently ranks second in the Big 12 in 300-yard passing performances (3) and ranks third in passing average per game (282.33). His passing average sits 12th nationally.
Beyond football, Craig participated in numerous community outreach events during his time at Harvard. His academic accomplishments, record-setting performances and immediate impact at TCU reflect his leadership skills that have allowed him to excel both on and off the field.
Craig and the finalists will travel to the Bellagio Resort & Casino in Las Vegas for the 68th NFF Annual Awards Dinner Presented by Las Vegas on Dec. 8, where their accomplishments will be highlighted in front of one of the most powerful audiences in all of sports. During the event, one member of the class will be declared as the winner of the 37th Campbell Trophy.
Nominated by their schools, which are limited to one nominee each, each candidate must be competing in the 2026 season as a senior in his final year of eligibility or a graduate student/graduate transfer who has already earned a degree; have a cumulative undergraduate 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 composed of a nationally recognized group of media, NFF College Football Hall of Famers and athletics administrators.
Players Mentioned
QB
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Monday, October 19
Sunday, October 18
Saturday, October 17
