IRVING, Texas (Jan. 29, 2026) – The National Football Foundation (NFF) & College Hall of Fame today announced the 95 state winners of the 2025-26 NFF National High School Academic Excellence Awards, Presented by the Rose Bowl Legacy Foundation. The initiative honors the top academic football teams from each level of play within each state and is designed to inspire and foster a culture of academic excellence in high school football teams throughout the nation.
 
The 95 teams will now vie as finalists for the NFF Hatchell Cup, Presented by Bob's Steak & Chop House. The Hatchell Cup winner will be announced Feb. 5, recognizing the top high school football team in the nation for excellence in the classroom, on the field and in the community. The Hatchell Cup, named in honor of NFF President & CEO Steve Hatchell, comes with a $10,000 donation.
 
Eligibility requirements for the awards include: a minimum cumulative team GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale; superior academic application and performance; and a successful football season. Each state's high school coaches association selects their respective state's winners from a pool of nominees submitted by each school's head coaches. A national selection committee is responsible for choosing one school as the recipient of the Hatchell Cup as the best team in the nation.
 
"Success on the field is significantly enhanced when a coach inspires his players to apply the same discipline, dedication, and determination in the classroom as well," said NFF Chairman Archie Manning. "We are proud to honor these football teams as the top academic performers in their states. Their accomplishments are a credit to the players, coaches, families, and communities who set high expectations and meet them. When teams bring the same competitive mindset to the classroom that it takes to win on the field, they are preparing themselves for success far beyond football."  
Arizona
6A – Phoenix Brophy College Prep
 
California
4A - Hemet High School
 
Colorado
1A – Limon Public High School
2A – Wellington Middle-High School
3A – Arvada Pomona High School
4A – Littleton Dakota Ridge High School
5A – Greenwood Village Cherry Creek High School
6-Man – Idalia School District
8-Man – Haxtun High School
 
Connecticut
LL – Greenwich High School
L – New Canaan High School
MM – Windsor High School
M – Berlin High School
SS – Madison Daniel Hand High School
S – Wallingford Sheehan High School
 
Delaware
2A – Dagsboro Indian River High School
3A – Middletown High School
 
Illinois
1A – Forreston High School
3A – Byron High School
5A – Washington High School
8A – Minooka High School
 
Indiana
1A – Greenwood Christian Academy
2A – Indianapolis Park Tudor School
3A – Evansville Reitz Memorial High School
4A – Indianapolis Bishop Chatard High School
6A – Indianapolis Cathedral High School

Louisiana
D1 (Select) – New Orleans St. Augustine High School
D2 (Select) – Houma Vandebilt Catholic
D2 (Non-Select) – Franklinton High School
D3 (Select) – Lafayette Christian Academy
D4 (Select) – Monroe Ouachita Christian School
 
Michigan
D1 – Rockford High School
D2 – DeWitt High School
D4 – Chelsea High School
D1 (8-Man) – Breckenridge High School
D2 (8-Man) – Flech North Dickinson High School
 
Minnesota
1A – Belgrade-Brooten-Elrosa High School
2A – Pelican Rapids High School
3A – Roseville Concordia Academy
4A – Saint Anthony Village High School
5A – Mendota Heights Saint Thomas Academy
6A – Lakeville South High School
9-Man – Stephen-Argyle Central High School
 
Nebraska
A – Kearney High School
B – Lincoln Standing Bear High School
C1 – Central City High School
C2 – Malcolm High School
D1 (8-Man) – Exeter-Milligan High School/Friend High School (Coop)
D2 (8-Man) – Bayard High School
D6 (6-Man) – Bartley Southwest High School
 
New Mexico
2A – Texico High School
3A – Santa Fe St. Michael's High School
 
New York
AA – Syracuse Christian Brothers Academy
A – Rye High School
B – Rochester Monroe High School
C – Bronxville High School
D – Tioga High School

North Carolina
1A – Wilson Preparatory Academy
2A – Tarboro High School
3A – Shelby High School
4A – Reidsville High School
5A – Shelby Crest High School
6A – Boone Watauga High School
7A – Greensboro Grimsley High School
8A – Cornelius William Amos Hough High School
 
Ohio
D1 – Pickerington North High School
D2 – Xenia High School
D3 – Granville High School
D4 – Napoleon High School
 
Oregon
1A – Adrian High School
2A – Merrill Lost River High School
3A – Burns High School
4A – Turner Cascade High School
5A – Bend Summit High School
6A – Portland Central Catholic High School
 
Pennsylvania
1A – Newtown Square Delaware County Christian School
5A – Clarks Summit Abington Heights High School
6A – Allentown Parkland High School
 
Texas
1A – Jayton High School
2A – Hale Center High School
4A – Stephenville High School
5A – Colleyville Heritage High School
6A – San Antonio Johnson High School
 
Utah
5A – Plain City Fremont High School
6A – Herriman High School
 
West Virginia
3A – Chapmanville Regional High School
4A – Shenandoah Junction Jefferson High School

Wisconsin
D1 – Green Bay Bay Port High School
D2 – Mequon Homestead High School
D3 – Madison Edgewood High School
D4 – Winneconne High School
D5 – Maple Northwestern High School
D6 – Edgar High School
D7 – Kenosha St. Joseph Catholic Academy
8-Man – DeSoto Middle & High School


The Rose Bowl Legacy Foundation became the presenting sponsor of the NFF National High School Academic Excellence Awards for the 2023-24 season. The organization's primary purpose is to preserve, protect, and enhance the Rose Bowl Stadium.
 
"Striving for success in the classroom is such a critical part of the scholastic football experience. The rooted focus in academics is a tremendous standard that perpetuates success in life," said Dedan Brozino, President of the Rose Bowl Legacy Foundation. "The Rose Bowl Legacy Foundation and its educational platform, the Rose Bowl Institute, are thrilled to support the Academic Excellence Awards and acknowledge the incredible hard work of the student-athletes in the classroom, something that is just as iconic as the moments experienced by millions in the century-plus at America's Stadium in Pasadena."
 
The NFF announced the creation of the awards in February 2021. The awards represent the first nationwide recognition honoring individual high school football teams for excellence in the classroom. Click here for the past honorees and recipients of the Hatchell Cup.

   
Arizona Football Coaches Association President Jason Jewell
Being considered for this award is huge! It is what Brophy aims for, we want to compete at the highest level both academically and athletically. Having players that take both seriously is important, it is a good indicator for their success in the future. Having kids that can balance a tough academic schedule as well as compete in athletics at a high level says a lot about a kid.
 
Indiana Football Coaches Association Executive Director Bob Gaddis
NFF National High School Academic Excellence Awards are a tremendous way for outstanding football programs around the USA to recognize the accomplishments of the student athletes in the classroom. The state of Indiana is excited to participate in recognizing our national finalist and state champions. We applaud their work and appreciate the NFF making this an annual award. We honor our team's coaches at our state convention.

Minnesota Football Coaches Association Executive Director Ron Stolski
We are incredibly proud to partner with the National Football Foundation in presenting the Academic Excellence Awards in the state of Minnesota. We are grateful for the NFF's continued commitment to recognizing high school student-athletes who excel both on the gridiron and in the classroom. The life lessons our student-athletes gain by balancing academics and football help establish a strong foundation for future success. We look forward to continuing this meaningful initiative with the National Football Foundation and celebrating the achievements of our coaches and players for years to come.
 
Nebraska Coaches Association Executive Director Darin Boysen
In a time when we are inundated with negative stories about sports, the National Football Foundation has partnered with high school coaches associations across America to help recognize and celebrate what is right about education-based athletics. The Nebraska Coaches Association appreciates the opportunity to send a clear message: education-based athletics, like high school football, are unique. The teams being recognized have come together to perform at a high standard in the classroom while participating in the great game of football.
 
New Mexico High School Coaches Association Executive Director Angel Castillo
The National Football Foundation's Academic Excellence Awards shine a well-deserved spotlight on what high school football is truly about—developing young people who excel both on the field and in the classroom. These recognitions reflect the commitment of our student-athletes, coaches, schools, and communities to academic achievement and character. New Mexico is proud of these programs and grateful for the NFF's continued emphasis on education as a cornerstone of the game.
 
Oregon Athletic Coaches Association Executive Director Rob Younger
It is a great honor to present the NFF National High School Academic Excellence Awards at our annual Awards Banquet, recognizing football programs that set the standard for excellence both on the field and in the classroom. Success in sports reinforces perseverance and accountability, while academic excellence provides a foundation for growth beyond the game. When students strive for excellence in both areas, they develop character, resilience, and a well-rounded path to future success. Oregon High School Football Coaches greatly appreciate the National Football Foundation for sponsoring and supporting excellence in our student-athletes.
 
Texas High School Coaches Association Executive Director Joe Martin
Texas is honored to partner with the National Football Foundation in recognizing high school football programs that exemplify the highest standards of academic achievement, athletic excellence, and community service. Our student‑athletes gain invaluable life skills as they balance the demands of football and academics, establishing a strong foundation for success well beyond their high school years. We look forward to continuing this important initiative with the NFF and to celebrating the accomplishments of our student‑athletes in the years ahead.
 
For more information on the NFF National High School Academic Excellence Awards or to learn how your state high school coaches association can participate next season, please contact the NFF at HSnominations@footballfoundation.com.