IRVING, Texas – The National Football Foundation & College Hall of Fame (NFF) announced 203 semifinalists for the 2024 William V. Campbell Trophy® on Wednesday, Sept. 25, including Aaron Borgerding from UW-River Falls.

Celebrating its 35th year, the Campbell Trophy® recognizes an individual as the absolute best football scholar-athlete in the nation for his combined academic success, football performance and exemplary leadership. Nominated by each candidate's respective institution, which are limited to one nominee each, athletes must be a senior who will complete his final year of eligibility in the 2024 season or graduate student or graduate transfer who has already earned a degree and participating in the 2024 season; 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 class is selected each year by the NFF Awards Committee, which is comprised of a nationally recognized group of media, College Football Hall of Famers and athletics administrators.
 
"These 203 semifinalists reflect not only exceptional academic and athletic talent but also the deep-rooted leadership that shows a commitment to excellence in all aspects of their lives, which is learned on the gridiron," said NFF Chairman Archie Manning, whose sons Peyton (Campbell Trophy® winner) and Eli were named NFF National Scholar-Athletes in 1997 and 2003, respectively. "The Campbell Trophy® continues to represent the pinnacle of what it means to be a scholar-athlete, and this year's candidates exemplify how football builds future leaders who will undoubtedly shape tomorrow's world."

Aaron Borgerding, a senior defensive back from Spring Valley, Wis., is one of 44 semifinalists from NCAA Division III. He is a two-time All-WIAC honoree and hasn't missed a game throughout his career as a Falcon, having totaled 194 tackles with eight interceptions and 14 pass breakups in 34 games played, helping lead UWRF to its best three-year stretch in program history since 1995-97, turning in a 23-9 overall record since 2021 with a pair of Culver's Isthmus Bowl titles. A Health and Human performance major, Borgerding has made the dean's list each semester and is a three-time WIAC Scholastic Honor Roll member, was a College Sports Communicators Academic All-District award winner, and is a member of the National College Athlete Honor Society. A two-year team captain, he has also served on UWRF's Student Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) and has volunteered his time for many campus and community activities. 

The William V. Campbell Trophy® is a member of the National College Football Awards Association (NCFAA), which encompasses the most prestigious awards in college football. Founded in 1997, the NCFAA and its 24 awards now boast over 900 recipients, dating to 1935. Visit ncfaa.org to learn more about the association.