NFF National Scholar-Athletes
Jackson Waring, QB – Grand View (IA)
3.88 GPA – Psychology
Head Coach: E.J. Peterson | Athletics Director: Troy Plummer
Faculty Athletics Representative: Dr. Zeb Sullivan
Coach Bob Blackman Scholar-Athlete Award
A selfless and humble leader, Jackson Waring has distinguished himself as one of the most complete student-athletes in the NAIA, combining academic excellence and quarterbacking Grand View (IA) to the 2024 national title. The Ankeny, Iowa, native becomes the first NFF National Scholar-Athlete in program history.
Graduating in May 2024 with a degree in psychology and a 3.88 GPA, Waring is currently pursuing a master's in organizational leadership. A five-time Dean's List honoree, he earned recognition as a 2024 Daktronics NAIA Scholar-Athlete and was part of an undergraduate research team that won the 2023 Shape Symposium Award in psychology for their study on fears and phobias.
The 2024 NAIA National Player of the Year, Waring led the Vikings to a perfect 14-0 record, culminating in a Heart North Conference title and the NAIA national championship. A three-year letterman and three-year team captain, he also guided the Vikings to an undefeated 2023 regular season (10-0), a trip to the NAIA Quarterfinals, and a final No. 3 national ranking.
A Third Team NAIA All-American, Waring has also earned honors as a two-time Heart of America First Team All-Conference selection and a two-time Heart North Player of the Year. During his three years with the Vikings, Waring has thrown for 3,047 yards and 35 touchdowns while adding 761 yards and 10 scores on the ground. Waring began his career at Illinois State, where he appeared in 10 games and threw for 879 yards and six touchdowns in 2021, adding two more rushing touchdowns.
Beyond football, Waring leads a weekly Bible study for his teammates.
(All stats as of Oct. 22, 2025)
