Five student-athletes from Eastern Illinois University have been recognized by the National Football Foundation (NFF) as members of the 2026 Hampshire Honor Society. This honor celebrates academic excellence within college football, marking the society's 20th anniversary and the largest class of 2,596 members from 365 schools. The recognition underlines the continuous achievement of disciplined student-athletes across the sport, with members maintaining a minimum GPA of 3.2 and contributing throughout the 2025 season.

By the Numbers
  • 2,596 players were honored this year, the largest group in the program's history.
  • Five players from Eastern Illinois were among 10 recognized from the OVC-Big South Football Association.
Yes, But

While the recognition celebrates the positive academic achievements, it also highlights the challenge of balancing athletics and education, reminding stakeholders of the ongoing need for support and resources for student-athletes.

State of Play
  • Member schools include representatives from every state except Alaska.
  • The NFF Hampshire Honor Society has recognized over 23,568 student-athletes since its inception in 2007.
What's Next

As the NFF continues to promote academic excellence, future classes may see an even greater emphasis on supportive measures for student-athletes balancing education and sport, potentially leading to higher standards and increased recognition.

Bottom Line

This recognition reinforces the importance of education in athletics, reminding us that the legacy of college football includes fostering both skill and scholarship among its players.