Iowa City Today

University of Iowa senior defensive lineman Aaron Graves has been named a semifinalist for the William V. Campbell Trophy, according to an announcement by the National Football Foundation on Wednesday. The Campbell Trophy is awarded each year to the nation’s top scholar athlete.

Graves, who stands 6-foot-5 and weighs 295 pounds, has started all four games at defensive tackle for the Hawkeyes this season. He has recorded 13 tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss, one sack, and two quarterback hurries. Graves has also served as a team captain in each of the first five games this season.

A native of Dayton, Iowa, Graves earned his bachelor’s degree in exercise science with highest distinction in May, graduating with a perfect grade point average. He is currently pursuing a master’s degree in sport and recreation management.

In 2024, Graves was recognized as an honorable mention All-Big Ten selection by both coaches and media after recording 33 tackles, six sacks, eight tackles for loss, three forced fumbles (the most in the Big Ten Conference), three pass breakups, and two hurries. He was also named a second team CSC Academic All-American in 2024 and has twice received CSC Academic All-District honors.

Ahead of the 2025 season, Graves appeared on several preseason watch lists including those for the Lott Trophy, Bronco Nagurski Award, Chuck Bednarik Award, and Lombardi Award.

To be considered for the Campbell Trophy, candidates must be seniors or graduate students in their final year of eligibility with at least a 3.2 GPA on a 4.0 scale. They must also demonstrate outstanding football ability as either first team players or significant contributors and show strong leadership and citizenship.

The National Football Foundation will announce between 12 and 16 finalists on October 22. Each finalist will receive an $18,000 postgraduate scholarship as part of the 2025 NFF National Scholar-Athlete Class Presented by Fidelity Investments. Finalists will attend the NFF Annual Awards Dinner at the Bellagio Resort & Casino in Las Vegas on December 9. The Campbell Award winner will receive a $25,000 scholarship.

Former Hawkeye linebacker Jack Campbell became Iowa's first recipient of the William V. Campbell Trophy in 2022. Six other Iowa players have previously been named NFF National Scholar Athletes: James Morris (2013), Mike Klinkenborg (2007), Derek Rose (1998), Mike Flagg (1987), Bob Elliott (1975), and John Charles Hendricks (1968).

Iowa holds a record of 3-1 overall and 1-0 in conference play this season. The team is set to host No. 11/12 Indiana on Saturday at Kinnick Stadium with kickoff scheduled for 2:35 p.m. Central Time. The game will be available via streaming on Peacock and broadcast through the Hawkeye Radio Network.

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