Pictured Above: NFF COO Matthew Sign, Stephenville ISD Superintendent Eric Cederstrom, Bob’s Steak & Chop House Founder Bob Sambol, NFF President & CEO Steve Hatchell, Head Coach Sterling Doty, Principal Stephanie Traweek and Asst. Coach/Academic Advisor Jeramiah Butchee at Bob’s Steak & Chop House during a celebration of Stephenville High School (TX) as the 2025-26 winners of the Hatchell Cup.
Created by the NFF in February 2021 as a direct extension of its mission to promote academic excellence and leadership through football, the NFF National High School Academic Excellence Awards, Presented by the Rose Bowl Legacy Foundation, represent the first nationwide recognition honoring individual high school football teams for excellence in the classroom. The awards stand as the only nationwide effort to recognize an entire high school football team for its combined achievements on the field and in the classroom.
“Academic and athletic success go hand-in-hand,” said NFF Chairman
Archie Manning. “We are proud to partner with state high school coaches associations on this award. We hope by inspiring teams to compete in the classroom with the same competitive spirit that it takes to win on the field we will better prepare high school football players for success later in life.”
From the pool of state winners, a national selection committee, with input from state high school coaches’ associations, conducts a comprehensive review to select one team as the best in the nation and winner of the NFF Hatchell Cup, Presented by Bob’s Steak & Chop House. In addition to earning recognition as the nation’s premier academic high school football team, the winning program receives a $10,000 award from Bob’s Steak & Chop House. The Rose Bowl Legacy Foundation further honors the team with a commemorative brick in Brick Plaza outside Gate A at Rose Bowl Stadium.
The NFF Hatchell Cup
“Texas is excited to partner with the National Football Foundation in an effort to recognize team academic excellence,” said Joe Martin, the Executive Director of the Texas High School Coaches Association. “This unique, national award recognizes High School Football teams that have excelled in academics during this football season. Not only does the game of football teach life lessons, but the teams receiving this award are proving they can compete in the classroom as well as on the gridiron.”
The trophy is named in honor of Steve Hatchell, recognizing his visionary leadership, decades of service to the NFF, and steadfast commitment to strengthening the game of football at every level.
Eligibility requirements for the NFF National High School Academic Excellence Award include:
- A minimum cumulative team GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.
- Superior academic application and performance.
- Successful football season.
State High School Coaches Associations Quotes
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.
