Ohio State's J.T. Barrett and Washington State's Luke Falk are among the large number of college football players who will take the field this fall after already earning their degrees. (Photos courtesy of Ohio State Athletics and Washington State Athletics.)

IRVING, Texas (Aug. 2, 2017) – The National Football Foundation (NFF) & College Hall of Fame today released a list of 971 student-athletes who have already earned their undergraduate degrees and will be playing college football this fall while pursuing second diplomas.

“The National Football Foundation takes great pride in its role as a leading voice in the promotion of the scholar-athlete,” said NFF Chairman Archie Manning. “And highlighting the hundreds of student-athletes who have not only earned their undergraduate degrees but are now pursuing additional diplomas sends a powerful message about the doors that college football opens. This list allows us to showcase those individuals who have truly taken full advantage of the opportunities created by college football.”

The NFF complied the list with the help of athletics directors, faculty athletics representatives and sports information directors from all divisions who identified the players on their 2017 fall rosters who have already earned their undergraduate degrees. A total of 213 schools responded, creating the list of 971 student-athletes who are slated to play this year while pursuing additional diplomas. The numbers include 721 players from 125 schools in the Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS), 147 players from 45 schools in the Football Championship Subdivision (FCS), 78 players from 31 schools in Division II, eight players from seven schools in Division III and 17 players from five schools in the NAIA.

Northwestern and Costal Carolina identified the most graduates of any schools responding with 18 players on their 2017 rosters who are seeking a second diploma. Other schools reporting a double digit number of graduates included Cincinnati (14), Toledo (13), Alabama (12), Oregon (12), TCU (12), UCF (12), Virginia (12), Kansas State (11), Kent State (11), Maryland (11), South Florida (11), South Alabama (10), New Mexico (10), Texas Tech (10) and West Virginia (10). From the FCS, Sacred Heart has 13 players with degrees, and James Madison and Western Illinois each have 10 players. Texas A&M-Kingsville tops the divisional ranks with nine players pursuing a second degree.

“As an academic who cares about student-athlete success both on the field and in the classroom, it is tremendously exciting to know that there are more than 900 student-athletes who will be playing college football this fall who have already earned their undergraduate degrees,” said Brian Shannon, president of 1A FAR who is a law professor and the faculty athletics representative (FAR) at Texas Tech University. “1A FAR, which is an organization of the FARs at all 129 FBS colleges and universities, is proud to join with the National Football Foundation in saluting these young men who have already achieved a major milestone in their lives and have chosen to continue their education while playing their sport.”

Publishing a list of the graduates playing college football represents the latest addition to the NFF’s list of initiatives designed to promote the scholar-athlete ideal, dating back to 1959 and the launch of the highly prestigious NFF National Scholar-Athlete Awards, presented by Fidelity Investments. The NFF has distributed more than $30 million in scholarships, including $11.1 million to 828 individuals via the NFF National Scholar-Athlete Awards and another $20 million through its nationwide Chapter Network.

Other key components of the NFF efforts to promote the scholar-athlete ideal include The William V. Campbell Trophy®, presented by Fidelity Investments and displayed at its official home inside the New York Athletic Club, the NFF Faculty Salutes, presented by Fidelity Investments, the NFF Hampshire Honor Society, the NFF National High School Scholar-Athlete Awards and the NFF Scholar-Athlete Alumni Association.

“Today’s release allows us to recognize a truly exceptional group of college football players,” said NFF President & CEO Steve Hatchell. “And it expands our efforts to highlight the integral role that college football has played in the education of millions of student-athletes over the years. It is often said, college is not about the four years on campus but the next 40 years of your career. Clearly those on this list have made the most of their college experiences, and we are extremely pleased to shine a light on their accomplishments.”