NEWS | Complete National Football Foundation presser
 
Irving, Texas----Wingate University graduate student linebacker GW Clemmer (Matthews, N.C.) is a semifinalist for the 2026 William V. Campbell Trophy®, college football's premier scholar-athlete award. Celebrating its 37th year, the Campbell Trophy® recognizes an individual as the absolute best in the country for his combined academic success, football performance and exemplary leadership.
 
The National Football Foundation & College Hall of Fame (NFF) is the proud sponsor of this prestigious award. Clemmer is one of a record 206 semifinalists for the Campbell Trophy®. The new highwater mark eclipses the 204 nominees in 2024. The list of candidates boasts an impressive 3.64 average GPA, with Clemmer and 97 others having already earned their bachelor's degrees.
 
GW Clemmer ('25) quick facts
 
- Clemmer is a magna cum laude WU graduate (December 2025)
- He finished with a 3.693 GPA as a sport and recreation management major
- He is currently enrolled in Wingate's nationally-recognized MASM program
- Academic All-District three times, as selected by the College Sports Communicators
- Clemmer was also a semifinalist for the 2025 Campbell Trophy®
- School of Sport Sciences Leadership Academy (SSSLA) member
- SSSLA requires 3.3+ GPA, leadership coursework, 200+ volunteer hours, research capstone
- Clemmer held three jobs on campus as a WU undergraduate student
- Jobs: Admissions tour guide, Julia's Learning Community mentor and WU Peer Mentor
- On the gridiron, Clemmer is a three-year starter on special teams
- In addition, he has been in the rotation at Will Linebacker for three seasons
- Entering his grad student season, Wingate is 37-11 overall during his tenure
- Clemmer and the Bulldogs won the '24 South Atlantic Conference title
- Wingate has made three NCAA playoff appearances since he arrived on campus
 
What They Are Saying about Wingate's GW Clemmer
Wingate associate professor Dr. Chris Harrist
 
"During my tenure as a professor, it is rare to encounter someone who consistently demonstrates the level of leadership, commitment, work ethic and sacrifice that GW Clemmer exhibits both on and off the field. He is one of the hardest-working individuals I have had the pleasure of meeting…this dedication is evident in his athletic preparation, his work in the classroom and his service to the community."
 
"What stands out most about GW is that his motivation is not driven by personal achievement, but by his genuine desire to put the needs of others above his own. Through his work with the School of Sport Sciences Leadership Academy (SSSLA), GW has a deep understanding of servant leadership. He genuinely takes pride in the work that no one sees, the sacrifices that receive no recognition and the willingness to do whatever is necessary to help others succeed."
 
"GW truly exemplifies the type of leadership and character represented by the Campbell Trophy. He leads through his actions and the incredibly high standards he has established for himself and those around him. His willingness to invest countless hours, often sacrificing his personal interests, to ensure the success of others speaks to the influence he has on those around him."
 
"Perhaps the best descriptor of GW's leadership is that it is genuinely authentic. He has selflessly served as a key mentor to incoming students in the SSSLA, helped incoming freshmen navigate their college journey through his role as a Bulldog Guide and supported students with intellectual or developmental disabilities through the Julia's Learning Community. GW represents the very best qualities of a student-athlete and, more importantly, the qualities of a leader with exemplary character who understands that success is truly measured by the impact you have on those around you." 
 
What's Next
 
- The NFF will announce 12-16 finalists on Oct. 21
- Each finalist will receive an $18,000 postgraduate scholarship as a member of the '26 NFF National Scholar-Athlete Class Presented by Fidelity Investments
- The finalists will travel to the Bellagio Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas for the 68th NFF Annual Awards Dinner Presented by Las Vegas on Dec. 8
- Live during the event, one member of the class will be declared as the winner of the 37th Campbell Trophy® and have his postgraduate scholarship increased to $25,000
 
Campbell Trophy quick facts
 
- GW Clemmer is the one of two semifinalists from the South Atlantic Conference
- The other SAC semifinalist is Carson-Newman's Jaxon Hickson
- All total, 19 student-athletes were nominated from NCAA Division II schools
- Clemmer is one of 98 nominees who have already earned a bachelor's degree
- Legendary NFL and NCAA quarterback Archie Manning is NFF chairman
- His son Peyton won the Campbell Trophy® during his Tennessee career ('97)
- Seven nominees have a perfect 4.000 GPA; the average nominee GPA is 3.64
- Duke's David Helton (2014) is the most recent Campbell Trophy® winner from an N.C. college or university
- The 2025 Campbell Trophy® winner was Vanderbilt tight end Elijah Stowers
 
Wingate University
 
Wingate University is a lab of difference-making that serves more than 3,600 students in North Carolina and offers 60 degree pathways, including 37 undergraduate majors, 10 pre-professional tracks and five dual-degree programs. Graduate students choose from seven master's and five doctoral programs. The University is home to the Cannon College of Arts and Sciences, the Levine College of Health Sciences, the Byrum School of Business, the Thayer School of Education and the School of Sport Sciences.
 
Founded in 1896, Wingate University is a leader in healthcare education where nearly one in five undergraduate students is preparing to be a pharmacist, physician assistant, physical therapist, occupational therapist or nurse. Student-athletes on Wingate's 30 teams compete in NCAA Division II and have brought home the SAC Echols Athletic Excellence Award the past 18 times it has been awarded. The University's motto is "Faith, Knowledge, Service." View current news and videos at www.wingate.edu.
 
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