University of Northern Colorado Athletics
Nowatzke Named Northern Colorado’s Campbell Trophy Nominee
8/25/2025 3:22:00 PM | Football
GREELEY, Colo. – Northern Colorado linebacker Zach Nowatzke has been named the Bears' nominee for the 2025 William V. Campbell Trophy, college football's premier scholar-athlete award that annually recognizes an individual as the absolute best in the nation for his combined academic success, football performance and exemplary leadership.
Nominated by their schools, which are limited to one nominee each, candidates for the award must be a senior who will complete his final year of eligibility in the 2025 season or a graduate student/graduate transfer who has already earned a degree and is participating in the 2025 season. Nominees must have a GPA of at least 3.2 on a 4.0 scale, outstanding football ability as a first-team player or significant contributor, and must have demonstrated strong leadership and citizenship. The class is selected each year by the NFF Awards Committee, comprised of a nationally recognized group of media, College Football Hall of Famers and athletics administrators.
Nowatzke, a senior from St. George, Utah carries a 3.79 GPA in sport and exercise science while excelling as a leader on and off the field. He has been actively involved with the Bears' "No Limits" camp, where he and his teammates help mentor and inspire youth in the Greeley community.
On the field, Nowatzke was one of Northern Colorado's top defensive performers in 2024. He finished the season with 98 total tackles (41 solo, 57 assists), 10 tackles for loss (42 yards), 5.5 sacks (32 yards), one interception, one forced fumble and one fumble recovery. His consistent play and high motor made him a cornerstone of the Bears' defense.
Northern Colorado opens the 2025 season on Saturday, August 30, when the Bears host Chadron State at 1 p.m. inside Nottingham Field.
FOLLOW THE BEARS
For complete coverage of UNC Athletics, check out the official homepage at uncbears.com. Follow the football team on Instagram, X and Facebook.
Nominated by their schools, which are limited to one nominee each, candidates for the award must be a senior who will complete his final year of eligibility in the 2025 season or a graduate student/graduate transfer who has already earned a degree and is participating in the 2025 season. Nominees must have a GPA of at least 3.2 on a 4.0 scale, outstanding football ability as a first-team player or significant contributor, and must have demonstrated strong leadership and citizenship. The class is selected each year by the NFF Awards Committee, comprised of a nationally recognized group of media, College Football Hall of Famers and athletics administrators.
Nowatzke, a senior from St. George, Utah carries a 3.79 GPA in sport and exercise science while excelling as a leader on and off the field. He has been actively involved with the Bears' "No Limits" camp, where he and his teammates help mentor and inspire youth in the Greeley community.
On the field, Nowatzke was one of Northern Colorado's top defensive performers in 2024. He finished the season with 98 total tackles (41 solo, 57 assists), 10 tackles for loss (42 yards), 5.5 sacks (32 yards), one interception, one forced fumble and one fumble recovery. His consistent play and high motor made him a cornerstone of the Bears' defense.
Northern Colorado opens the 2025 season on Saturday, August 30, when the Bears host Chadron State at 1 p.m. inside Nottingham Field.
FOLLOW THE BEARS
For complete coverage of UNC Athletics, check out the official homepage at uncbears.com. Follow the football team on Instagram, X and Facebook.
Players Mentioned
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