Casey Akenberger Director of Athletic Performance/Munn | Michigan State Spartan Athletics Website
Casey Akenberger Director of Athletic Performance/Munn | Michigan State Spartan Athletics Website
Michigan State defensive lineman Maverick Hansen has been named a semifinalist for the William V. Campbell Trophy by the National Football Foundation. This marks the second consecutive year Hansen has received this recognition, which is awarded to the nation's top football scholar-athlete.
The Campbell Trophy, now in its 35th year, honors an individual for combined academic success, football performance, and leadership.
Hansen, in his sixth season at Michigan State, graduated in May with a 3.77 GPA and a bachelor's degree in hospitality business. He has earned Academic All-Big Ten and Distinguished Big Ten Scholar honors four times during his collegiate career. The Farmington Hills native was voted co-captain for the 2024 season and has played in 45 games for the Spartans with 94 tackles, including eight tackles for loss and five sacks.
The NFF will announce 12-14 finalists on October 23. Each finalist will receive an $18,000 postgraduate scholarship as part of the 2024 NFF National Scholar-Athlete Class Presented by Fidelity Investments. Finalists will attend the NFF Annual Awards Dinner at the Bellagio Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas on December 10, where one member will be declared winner of the Campbell Trophy® and have their scholarship increased to $25,000.
Candidates must be seniors completing their final year of eligibility or graduate students participating in the 2024 season; have a GPA of at least 3.2; demonstrate outstanding football ability; and show strong leadership and citizenship. The class is selected by the NFF Awards Committee comprised of media members, College Football Hall of Famers, and athletics administrators.
Launched in 1959, the NFF National Scholar-Athlete Awards celebrate their 66th year in 2024. The awards were the first to grant postgraduate scholarships based on both academic and athletic accomplishments. Since inception, they have recognized 922 individuals with over $12.9 million distributed.
"An exemplary scholar-athlete & leader," tweeted Michigan State Football on September 25.
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