HARDIN-SIMMONS UNIVERSITY — S
3.91 GPA — Finance
Head Coach: Jesse Burleson | Athletics Director: Dr. John Neese
Faculty Athletics Representative: Chris McNair
A relentless competitor whose leadership has helped elevate his teammates on and off the field, Harrison Foster has earned All-America honors in both football and academics. The Sweetwater, Texas, native becomes Hardin-Simmons' second NFF National Scholar-Athlete and first since 2009.
Foster graduated summa cum laude in May 2026 with a degree in finance and a 3.91 GPA and is currently pursuing an MBA. A 2025 CSC Second Team Academic All-American and Academic All-District selection, he was named the 2025-26 American Southwest Conference Man of the Year, the league's highest honor for a student-athlete. He also received the 2025 ASC Distinguished Scholar-Athlete Award and Hardin-Simmons' Male Athlete Medal of Honor. A two-time Academic All-ASC selection, he earned President's List recognition four times.
A two-year letterman and two-year team captain, Foster earned Associated Press Second Team All-America honors in 2025, along with D3football.com First Team All-Region recognition. A two-time First Team All-ASC selection, he recorded 167 tackles, seven tackles for loss, five interceptions, 13 pass deflections and three forced fumbles during his first two seasons with the Cowboys. In 2025, he tied the school record with two interceptions returned for touchdowns, including a 97-yard return against East Texas Baptist that set the program record for the longest defensive touchdown. He matched that record with another 97-yard interception return against crosstown rival McMurry in the Wilford Moore Trophy game on Oct. 10. He has also recorded 34 tackles, one tackle for loss, a forced fumble and six pass breakups this season. His 34 tackles rank second on the team, and his seven passes defended rank fourth in the ASC.
Foster helped lead the Cowboys to consecutive American Southwest Conference championships and a combined 19-3 record during his first two seasons. Hardin-Simmons advanced to the NCAA Division III playoffs in both seasons, reaching the second round each year. The Cowboys are currently 5-0 and ranked No. 6 in the AFCA Poll.
Beyond football, Foster has volunteered with Special Olympics of West Texas, including assisting with a district track meet, and participated in the Reading with the Cowboys program at local elementary schools. He helped organize High Five Fridays to encourage students and promote enthusiasm for education, contributed to the Houses for Healing community-service project and remained active with the Tri-City Fellowship of Christian Athletes.
(All stats through Oct. 17 games.)
