Graves Named William V. Campbell Trophy Semifinalist

IOWA CITY, Iowa -- University of Iowa senior defensive lineman Aaron Graves has been named a semifinalist for the William V. Campbell Trophy, it was announced Wednesday by the National Football Foundation.  The honor is awarded annually to the nation’s top scholar athlete.

Graves (6-foot-5, 295) has started all four games at defensive tackle for the Hawkeyes this season.  He has 13 tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss, one sack and two hurries and has been voted a team captain in each of the first five games of the season.

The Dayton, Iowa, native earned his bachelor’s degree in exercise science with the highest distinction in May, graduating with an unblemished grade point average. He is currently enrolled in the sport and recreation management master’s program. 

Graves was an honorable mention All-Big Ten selection by both the coaches and media in 2024 after finishing with 33 tackles, six sacks, eight TFL, three forced fumbles, three pass breakups and two hurries.  The three forced fumbles were tops in the Big Ten Conference.  He also was a second team CSC Academic All-American in 2024 and has twice been named a CSC Academic All-District selection.

Leading into the 2025 season, Graves was named to the preseason Lott Trophy, Bronco Nagurski, Chuck Bednarik and Lombardi Award Watch Lists.

Candidates for the Campbell Trophy must be a senior or graduate student in their final year of eligibility, have a GPA of at least 3.2 on a 4.0 scale, have outstanding football ability as a first team player or significant contributor and have demonstrated strong leadership and citizenship.

The NFF will announce 12-16 finalists on Oct. 22, and each of them will receive an $18,000 postgraduate scholarship as a member of the 2025 NFF National Scholar-Athlete Class Presented by Fidelity Investments. The finalists will travel to the Bellagio Resort & Casino in Las Vegas for the 67th NFF Annual Awards Dinner Presented by Las Vegas on Dec. 9.  The Campbell Award winner will receive a $25,000 scholarship.

Former Hawkeye linebacker Jack Campbell was the first Iowa student-athlete to earn the William V. Campbell Trophy in 2022.  Six previous players were named a NFF National Scholar Athlete, including linebacker James Morris (2013), linebacker Mike Klinkenborg (2007), offensive lineman Derek Rose (1998, tight end Mike Flagg (1987), defensive back Bob Elliott (1975) and defensive lineman John Charles Hendricks (1968).

Iowa (3-1, 1-0) returns to action Saturday, hosting No. 11/12 Indiana at 2:35 p.m. (CT) inside Kinnick Stadium.  The game will be streamed on Peacock and broadcast on the Hawkeye Radio Network.