Big Ten Roundup (Sept. 30): 12 Big Ten Players Named Semifinalists for 'Academic Heisman'

The 2023 semifinalists for the William V. Campbell trophy were announced on Wednesday, and 12 Big Ten football players are in contention for the award known as college football's "Academic Heisman."

It's been 17 years since a Big Ten football player last won the Heisman trophy, when Ohio State's Troy Smith brought it home in 2023. It's unlikely that streak comes to an end this season. However, there are plenty of Big Ten talents in line for the "Academic Heisman."

On Wednesday, the National Football Foundation (NFF) announced its 201 semifinalists for the 2023 William V. Campbell Trophy. Of those 201 semifinalists, 12 are Big Ten football players. 

Known as the "Academic Heisman" by some, the Campbell Trophy is the most prestigious academic award in college football. Each year, it is given to an individual who the NFF finds to be the absolute best in the country for academic success, football performance and exemplary leadership.

Here's everything you need to know in today's Big Ten Roundup:

12 Campbell Trophy Semifinalists

In order to be nominated for the Campbell Trophy, candidates must be a senior or graduate student in their final year of playing 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. 

There are 12 Big Ten football players that have met that standard in 2023, and have been named semifinalists for the award. The finalists will be announced on Oct. 25. 

🗓️ Mark your calendars - the 2023 Campbell Trophy Finalists will be announced October 25❗️

➕ https://t.co/QfxLDqYp5L pic.twitter.com/EaEGBG2ICU

— Big Ten Football (@B1Gfootball) September 28, 2023

Here are the 12 semifinalists, by school: 

• Isaiah Williams — WR, Illinois
• Taulia Tagovailoa — QB, Maryland
• Trey Walker — TE, Indiana
• Bryce Gallagher — LB, Northwestern
• Cody Simon - LB, Ohio State
• Gus Hartwig - OL, Purdue
• Zak Zinter - OL, Michigan
• Maverick Hansen - DL, Michigan State
• Brian Buschini - P, Nebraska
• Olu Fashanu - OT, Penn State
• Maema Njongmeta - LB, Wisconsin
• Mayan Ahanotu - DE, Rutgers

The "Academic Heisman" was won by a Big Ten player in 2022, as it was awarded to Iowa linebacker Jack Campbell. The last Big Ten football player to win it before Campbell was Penn State's John Urschel in 2013. 

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