LAS VEGAS (UNLVRebels.com) – UNLV quarterback Alex Orji has been named a semifinalist for the 2026 William V. Campbell Trophy, the National Football Foundation's prestigious award recognizing the best football scholar-athlete in the nation.
 
Orji, a senior from Sachse, Texas, is among a select group of student-athletes from across the country recognized for their accomplishments on the football field, in the classroom and in their communities.
 
Now in his second season with the Rebels, the former Michigan transfer started UNLV's first game at quarterback in 2025 but suffered a season-ending injury in Game Three vs. UCLA. He has appeared in all three games this season.
 
The squad's top community service performer off the field regularly volunteers his time to local charity foundation Goodie Two Shoes along with staffing multiple events across the calendar, including Build A Bed, Three Square Food Bank and Nevada Reading Week. He also was previously announced as a nominee for the 2026 Allstate AFCA Good Works Team and Wuerffel Trophy.
 
The Campbell Trophy, presented annually by the National Football Foundation, recognizes a student-athlete who demonstrates an outstanding combination of academic success, football performance and exemplary leadership. The award is often referred to as the "Academic Heisman."
 
The National Football Foundation will announce the finalists for the Campbell Trophy later this season. The 2026 Campbell Trophy recipient will be announced as part of the 68th NFF Annual Awards Dinner presented by Las Vegas Sands in December in Las Vegas.