University of Northern Colorado Athletics
Photo by: Dean Popejoy
Ekuban Named Semifinalist for William V. Campbell Trophy
9/23/2026 2:25:00 PM | Football
IRVING, Texas – Northern Colorado defensive lineman Ezra Ekuban has been named a semifinalist for the 2026 William V. Campbell Trophy®, college football's premier scholar-athlete award, the National Football Foundation (NFF) & College Hall of Fame announced today.
Ekuban is one of a record 206 semifinalists for the award, each nominated as their school's sole nominee and best all-around student-athlete. The group is the largest in the history of the award, eclipsing the previous record of 204 set in 2024, and collectively boasts a 3.64 average GPA with 130 team captains, 24 All-Americans and 98 players who have already earned their undergraduate degrees.
Celebrating its 37th year, the Campbell Trophy® recognizes an individual as the absolute best football scholar-athlete in the nation for his combined academic success, football performance and exemplary leadership.
"Playing college football takes an enormous commitment, and to perform at a high level on the field while also excelling in the classroom and serving as a leader on campus is something special," said NFF Chairman Archie Manning. "These 206 semifinalists have a lot to be proud of, and it's a privilege to recognize their accomplishments."
Ekuban, a fifth-year defensive lineman from Parker, Colorado, has been one of the Bears' most disruptive players this season. He opened the year working back from an injury sustained in fall camp, then broke through with a career-high three tackles for loss and a forced fumble against Wyoming. He followed that with a sack and a tackle for loss in Northern Colorado's overtime win over Northeastern State.
He now has 17 career tackles for loss, the 10th-most in UNC Division I history.
Off the field, Ekuban's commitment to his community and his family have shaped his decision to remain in Greeley. One of only a handful of players who predate head coach Ed Lamb's arrival, he chose to stay close to home to remain a presence in his younger siblings' lives.
"I'm from Colorado. My family's close by. I live in Parker, Colorado," Ekuban said. "Just being close to them is important for me, so I could be in my younger siblings' life, be a positive role model to them. And then another reason I decided to stay is I just kind of grew into love the community of Greeley. Grass isn't always greener on the other side."
Ekuban will learn later this fall whether he advances as one of the award's finalists. The Campbell Trophy® will be presented at the 68th NFF Annual Awards Dinner, and the winner will receive a $25,000 postgraduate scholarship.
Now in its 68th year, the NFF National Scholar-Athlete Awards Presented by Fidelity Investments have recognized 954 individuals, with this year's scholarships pushing the program's all-time distribution above $13.5 million. The awards were the first initiative in history to grant postgraduate grants based on a player's academic, athletic and leadership accomplishments.
Ekuban and the Bears return home this weekend for Homecoming, hosting Utah Tech at 6 p.m. Saturday at Nottingham Field. The game will also serve as a celebration of Northern Colorado's 1996 National Championship team, which will be honored during the weekend as the program commemorates one of the proudest chapters in its history.
Tickets can be purchased through the UNC ticket office online at UNCBears.com/Tickets, by calling 970-351-4849, or in person at the UNC ticket office during normal business hours.
Quarterback Club
The Quarterback Club plays a vital role in supporting the UNC Football program. By giving to the Quarterback Club, you help enhance the student-athlete experience, providing resources for team development, and ensuring the success of the Bears on and off the field. Your involvement makes a meaningful difference in the future of the program.
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.
Ekuban is one of a record 206 semifinalists for the award, each nominated as their school's sole nominee and best all-around student-athlete. The group is the largest in the history of the award, eclipsing the previous record of 204 set in 2024, and collectively boasts a 3.64 average GPA with 130 team captains, 24 All-Americans and 98 players who have already earned their undergraduate degrees.
Celebrating its 37th year, the Campbell Trophy® recognizes an individual as the absolute best football scholar-athlete in the nation for his combined academic success, football performance and exemplary leadership.
"Playing college football takes an enormous commitment, and to perform at a high level on the field while also excelling in the classroom and serving as a leader on campus is something special," said NFF Chairman Archie Manning. "These 206 semifinalists have a lot to be proud of, and it's a privilege to recognize their accomplishments."
Ekuban, a fifth-year defensive lineman from Parker, Colorado, has been one of the Bears' most disruptive players this season. He opened the year working back from an injury sustained in fall camp, then broke through with a career-high three tackles for loss and a forced fumble against Wyoming. He followed that with a sack and a tackle for loss in Northern Colorado's overtime win over Northeastern State.
He now has 17 career tackles for loss, the 10th-most in UNC Division I history.
Off the field, Ekuban's commitment to his community and his family have shaped his decision to remain in Greeley. One of only a handful of players who predate head coach Ed Lamb's arrival, he chose to stay close to home to remain a presence in his younger siblings' lives.
"I'm from Colorado. My family's close by. I live in Parker, Colorado," Ekuban said. "Just being close to them is important for me, so I could be in my younger siblings' life, be a positive role model to them. And then another reason I decided to stay is I just kind of grew into love the community of Greeley. Grass isn't always greener on the other side."
Ekuban will learn later this fall whether he advances as one of the award's finalists. The Campbell Trophy® will be presented at the 68th NFF Annual Awards Dinner, and the winner will receive a $25,000 postgraduate scholarship.
Now in its 68th year, the NFF National Scholar-Athlete Awards Presented by Fidelity Investments have recognized 954 individuals, with this year's scholarships pushing the program's all-time distribution above $13.5 million. The awards were the first initiative in history to grant postgraduate grants based on a player's academic, athletic and leadership accomplishments.
Ekuban and the Bears return home this weekend for Homecoming, hosting Utah Tech at 6 p.m. Saturday at Nottingham Field. The game will also serve as a celebration of Northern Colorado's 1996 National Championship team, which will be honored during the weekend as the program commemorates one of the proudest chapters in its history.
Tickets can be purchased through the UNC ticket office online at UNCBears.com/Tickets, by calling 970-351-4849, or in person at the UNC ticket office during normal business hours.
Quarterback Club
The Quarterback Club plays a vital role in supporting the UNC Football program. By giving to the Quarterback Club, you help enhance the student-athlete experience, providing resources for team development, and ensuring the success of the Bears on and off the field. Your involvement makes a meaningful difference in the future of the program.
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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