IRVING, Texas – The National Football Foundation & College Hall of Fame have announced their semifinalists for the 2026 William V. Campbell Trophy and named University of Dayton Ryan Iiams as one of the 44 semifinalists for NCAA Football Championship Subdivision.

Nominated by their schools, which are limited to one nominee each, candidates for the awards must be a senior who will complete his final year of eligibility in the 2025 season or a graduate student or graduate transfer who has already earned a degree and is participating in the 2025 season; have a 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 class is selected each year by the NFF Awards Committee, which is comprised of a nationally recognized group of media, NFF College Football Hall of Famers and athletics administrators.

Iiams is a senior offensive linemen and native of Springboro, serving as a team captain for the Flyers this season. He was named to the PFL Preseason All-Conference Team and Phil Steele Preseason PFL Second Team ahead of this season, and is a two-time PFL Honorable Mention honoree. Iiams transferred to UD in 2023 and has started all 25 games since his arrival.  

UD has had at least a semifinalist for 20 straight years. Dylan DeMaison was UD's honoree in 2024.  The others are Derek Willits (2023) Jake Chisholm (2022), Brandon Easterling (2020 & 2021), Tim Simon (2019), David Leisring (2018), Jack Crain (2017), Chris Beaschler (2016), Danny Leach (2015), Will Bardo (2014), Colin Monnier (2013), Bill Petraiuolo (2012), Devon Langhorst (2011), Brandon Wingeier (2010), Sean Heenan (2009), Bart Bergfeld (2008), Brandon Cramer (2007) and Brandon Godsey (2006).  
The Campbell Trophy® was first awarded in 1990, adding to the program's prestige. Past recipients include two Rhodes Scholars, a Rhodes Scholar finalist, two Heisman Trophy winners and nine first-round NFL draft picks. Click here for a list of the past winners of the trophy.
 
Named in honor of the late Bill Campbell, the trophy has been prominently displayed inside its official home at the New York Athletic Club since 2013, and the winner is honored each year during a special luncheon at the storied venue.

2025 Campbell Trophy® Semifinalists by Division and Position
 

• 78 Nominees from the NCAA Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS)
• 44 Nominees from the NCAA Football Championship Subdivision (FCS)
• 15 Nominees from NCAA Division II
• 33 Nominees from NCAA Division III
• 7 Nominees from the NAIA
• 88 Offensive Players
• 75 Defensive Players
• 14 Special Teams Players

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The Flyers will return home to host Stetson Saturday, Sept. 27 at 12 p.m. It will be Family Weekend at Welcome Stadium as well.
 
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