Six Memphis football players have been honored as members of the National Football Foundation (NFF) Hampshire Honor Society for 2026, recognizing their academic and athletic accomplishments. To qualify, candidates must have a GPA of 3.2 or higher, be set to graduate by spring/summer 2026, and have actively participated in the 2025 season. The 2026 class comprises a record 2,596 athletes from 365 schools, marking a significant achievement for the NFF as it celebrates its 20th anniversary. NFF Chairman Archie Manning emphasized the program’s role in highlighting the development of student-athletes as leaders on and off the field.

By the Numbers
  • 2,596 players from 365 schools were recognized in the 2026 Hampshire Honor Society.
  • Since its inception in 2007, the NFF has honored 23,568 student-athletes from 691 schools.
State of Play
  • 2026 marks the 20th anniversary of the NFF Hampshire Honor Society.
  • The honor society aims to promote leadership and academic excellence in college football.
What's Next

The NFF aims to continue expanding its initiatives to recognize student-athletes in football, and future cohorts may reflect growing diversity in honorees from all college football divisions.

Bottom Line

The recognition of Memphis players underscores the importance of balancing athletics with academic success and highlights the NFF's commitment to fostering well-rounded individuals in college sports.