IRVING, Texas (April 9, 2026) – As the National Football Foundation marks 20 years of the NFF Hampshire Honor Society and a record-setting 2026 class, leaders from the highest levels of sports, business and higher education are praising the organization's role in elevating academic achievement as a core part of the game. Their perspectives reinforce the Foundation's long-standing commitment to ensuring education remains central to the student-athlete experience.
 
Troy Aikman, ESPN MNF Game Analyst, NFF Hall of Fame Player, Class of 2008, NFF Board of Trustees Member
"As a member of the Board of Trustees for the NFF, I would like to acknowledge the amazing success of the NFF Hampshire Honor Society and the outstanding accomplishments of the football players who have been honored for their academic excellence and leadership on the field."
 
Craig Bohl, Executive Director, American Football Coaches Association
"The AFCA congratulates the National Football Foundation on 20 years of honoring student-athletes who excel both on the field and in the classroom through the Hampshire Honor Society. Through its unwavering commitment and partnership, the NFF has celebrated over 23,000 scholar-athletes, setting a lasting standard of excellence that continues to inspire future generations."
 
Tim Cook, Chief Executive Officer, Apple, NFF Board of Trustees Member
"For 20 years, the NFF Hampshire Honor Society has celebrated the remarkable student-athletes who achieve at the highest levels on the field and in the classroom. These students embody a relentless pursuit of excellence, and they set an important example with their determination, their resilience, and their commitment to bringing their best to whatever they do."
 
Pat Manak, Chief Executive Officer, NACDA
"NACDA is proud to support the efforts of the National Football Foundation and the NFF Hampshire Honor Society which has become an important academic tradition over the last two decades. This recognition highlights the importance of developing well-rounded student-athletes and enhancing the college experience through sport, which our member athletics directors continue to achieve at all levels across the country."
 
Jere W. Morehead, President, University of Georgia, NFF Board of Trustees Member
"In this disruptive period of change in college athletics, the National Football Foundation and the Hampshire Honor Society continue to emphasize and reward academic excellence and the importance of earning a college degree. All universities can unite behind those critical objectives for our student-athletes."
 
Suzanne Nora Johnson, Chair, University of Southern California Board of Trustees, NFF Board of Trustees Member
"On the 20th anniversary of the NFF Hampshire Honor Society, we celebrate that excellence on the field and excellence in the classroom are not competing pursuits—they are complementary ones. These student-athletes demonstrate that dedication, discipline, leadership, and teamwork can drive success in every arena, embodying what it truly means to be both great players and great scholars and indeed great citizens."
 
Anthony Noto, Chief Executive Officer, SoFi, NFF Board of Trustees Member
"Two decades of growth and record participation this year reflect the strength of the NFF Hampshire Honor Society. The program embodies what college football is all about: discipline, leadership, and excellence both on the field and in the classroom. These student-athletes succeed in both because they are committed to the work, hold themselves to a higher standard, and refuse to compromise on either. The program continues to showcase the very best of the game and the future it should strive for." 

Greg Sankey, Commissioner, Southeastern Conference, NFF Board of Trustees Member
"The 20th Anniversary of the National Football Foundation's Hampshire Honor Society is a powerful reminder that the real measure of success in college football is defined well beyond the scoreboard. Year after year, this program has highlighted student-athletes who represent discipline, leadership and excellence both on the field and in the classroom. Achieving a record level of membership is not just a milestone, it is a statement. It proves that the 'student-athlete ideal' is not only alive but also thriving. The NFF continues to shine well-deserved light on young men who are preparing to lead in every arena of life, and that is an ideal worth celebrating."
 
Jessica Sibley, Chief Executive Officer, TIME, NFF Board of Trustees Member
"The 20th Anniversary of the NFF Hampshire Honor Society is a meaningful reminder of what college football is truly about—excellence on the field, in the classroom, and in life. This milestone, along with a single-year record for membership, reflects the continued growth and impact of a program that honors achievement at the highest level."
 
Roderick K. West, Chief Executive Officer, Algonquin Power & Utilities Corp., NFF Board of Trustees Member
"Today's NIL headlines justifiably reflect college football's complex and rapidly evolving commercial landscape. However, I'm pleased that the National Football Foundation continues to recognize and promote the academic accolades of football's "student" athletes through the NFF's Hampshire Honor Society."
 
Celebrating its 20^th year, the NFF Hampshire Honor Society has recognized 23,568 student-athletes from 691 schools since 2007. The 2026 class, which includes a record 2,596 players from 365 schools, represents the largest group in the program's history and underscores the sustained academic achievement taking place across all levels of college football. Click here for the 2026 list of members and click here for the release announcing the class.
 
Created in 2007, the NFF Hampshire Honor Society is one of the most comprehensive scholar-athlete initiatives in college athletics, recognizing football players from all divisions who have maintained a cumulative 3.2 GPA or higher throughout their college careers. Click here for the full criteria and history.
 
ABOUT THE HAMPSHIRE FOUNDATION
The Hampshire Foundation is the charitable arm of The Hampshire Companies, a privately-held, fully-integrated real estate firm that has more than 60 years of hands-on, cycle-tested experience in acquiring, developing, leasing, repositioning, managing, financing and disposing of real estate. Founded by Jon F. Hanson, who served as NFF Chairman from 1994-2006, Hampshire is headquartered in Morristown, New Jersey. Learn more at www.hampshirere.com.
 
ABOUT THE NATIONAL FOOTBALL FOUNDATION & COLLEGE HALL OF FAME
Founded in 1947 with early leadership from General Douglas MacArthur, legendary Army coach Earl "Red" Blaik, and journalist Grantland Rice, the National Football Foundation & College Hall of Fame (NFF) is a nonprofit organization that leverages the power of amateur football to build leaders. With 120 chapters in 47 states, the NFF oversees initiatives such as the NFF College Hall of Fame, the NFF William V. Campbell Trophy®, the NFF National Scholar-Athlete Awards Presented by Fidelity Investments, Future For Football, and I Played. Learn more at footballfoundation.org and follow @NFFNetwork on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube.