As announced by the National Football Foundation (NFF) on Wednesday (Sept. 23) morning, Ashland University senior linebacker
Ben Holzopfel is one of 206 national semifinalists for the 2026 William V. Campbell Trophy.
An Exercise Science major, Holzopfel has a 3.83 cumulative grade-point average through the spring 2026 semester. He is a two-time College Sports Communicators (CSC) Academic All-District selection, is a two-time All- Great Midwest Athletic Conference second-teamer, and is one of five season-long captains for the 2026 football team.
So far this fall, Holzopfel has started all three games at linebacker, recording 20 total tackles (eight solo), two tackles for loss, four quarterback hurries and a pass breakup.
The Campbell Trophy recognizes an individual as the absolute best in the country for his combined academic success, football performance and exemplary leadership.
Each nominee must be competing in the 2026 season as a senior in his final year of eligibility or a graduate student/graduate transfer who has already earned a degree; have a cumulative undergraduate GPA of at least 3.2 on a 4.0 scale; have outstanding football ability as a first-team player or significant contributor; and have demonstrated strong leadership and citizenship.
The candidates come from all levels of play in the NCAA and the NAIA.
This is the 12
th consecutive season Ashland football has boasted an NFF Campbell Trophy semifinalist.
No. RV Ashland (1-2 overall, 1-0 Great Midwest) will play its first road game of the 2026 season on Saturday (Sept. 26) at noon at No. RV Walsh (3-0, 1-0).
ASHLAND UNIVERSITY FOOTBALL NFF CAMPBELL TROPHY SEMIFINALISTS SINCE 2012
2026 – Ben Holzopfel
2025 – Ethan Enders
2024 – Tony Pannunzio
2023 – Jake McLoughlin
2022 – Austin Brenner
2021 – Austin Phillips
2020 – Logan Bolin
2019 – Clay Shreve
2018 – Travis Downing
2017 – Dominic Giunta
2016 – Zach Bernhard
2015 – Jonathan Cipa
2012 – Donnie Dottei
