Wayne State University's football program achieved a significant milestone as it was recognized by the National Football Foundation (NFF) for having at least one player earn Hampshire Honor Society accolades for all 20 years since the program鈥檚 inception. Notably, WSU is the only Michigan institution to have maintained this achievement. Over the past two decades, 104 WSU student-athletes have received this recognition, placing the program second in NCAA Division II, just behind Bentley University. This year鈥檚 honorees include Angel Carrillo and Joe Clark Jr., among others. The NFF continues to emphasize the importance of academic excellence in college football, celebrating its 20th anniversary with an unprecedented number of inductees this year.

By the Numbers
  • 104 WSU football players recognized with Hampshire Honor Society honors over 20 years.
  • 2,596 players from 365 schools inducted into the NFF Hampshire Honor Society in 2026, marking the largest class in its history.
State of Play
  • WSU is recognized as the only school in Michigan with consistent Hampshire Honor Society inductees for 20 years.
  • The NFF has highlighted a total of 23,568 student-athletes recognized since the program's creation.
What's Next

As college football evolves, WSU intends to continue its commitment to academic excellence and develop leaders both on and off the field. The ongoing participation in initiatives like the Hampshire Honor Society may attract more student-athletes committed to balancing academics and athletics.

Bottom Line

Wayne State University鈥檚 consistent recognition by the NFF underscores the school's commitment to fostering not just athletes, but well-rounded scholars. This achievement serves as a model for academic achievement in collegiate sports, reinforcing the value of education alongside athletics.