Brains and Ball: Three Tennessee Vols Recognized by 2025 NFF Hampshire Honor Society
Knoxville, Tenn. — The University of Tennessee continues to prove it develops champions both on and off the field. On Monday, the National Football Foundation (NFF) and College Hall of Fame announced that three Tennessee Volunteers have been named to the prestigious 2025 NFF Hampshire Honor Society, recognizing outstanding academic achievement among college football players nationwide.
This elite honor is reserved for players who have excelled in the classroom while also making significant contributions on the gridiron. The three Vols — whose names will now be etched among the nation’s top scholar-athletes — demonstrated the ideal balance of athletic commitment and academic discipline.
A Legacy of Excellence
To qualify for the Hampshire Honor Society, student-athletes must be in their final year of NCAA eligibility, maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.2 or higher, and be a significant contributor to their team throughout their career. The 2025 class includes over 1,700 players from more than 325 schools, marking one of the largest groups since the program’s inception in 2007.
The Tennessee trio joins a growing legacy of Volunteers who have worn the orange and white with pride, not just on Saturdays in Neyland Stadium but every day in the classroom.
Coach Heupel Commends Honorees
Head Coach Josh Heupel praised the honorees, stating:
“This is what being a Tennessee Volunteer is all about — striving for greatness in everything you do. These young men have represented our program, our university, and themselves at the highest level. I couldn’t be prouder of what they’ve accomplished.”
More Than Just Athletes
The recognition by the NFF highlights Tennessee’s ongoing emphasis on academic support and personal development within its athletic department. From tutoring services to life skills training, UT has long prioritized creating well-rounded student-athletes prepared for life after football.
Athletic Director Danny White also weighed in:
“This honor reflects the hard work and dedication these young men have shown in all areas of their college careers. It’s a true testament to our commitment to academic and athletic excellence.”
Looking Ahead
As the honored Vols prepare for life after college, their achievements stand as an inspiration to current and future athletes. In an era where success is often measured in wins and draft picks, awards like the Hampshire Honor Society remind us that what happens off the field is just as important.
These three young men leave behind not just a legacy of tackles, touchdowns, and teamwork — but also a blueprint for what it means to be a true student-athlete.
