National Football Foundation Release
IRVING, Texas – Colgate Football senior wide receiver
Treyvhon Saunders was named one of 178 semifinalists for the 2025 William Campbell V. Trophy, college football's premier scholar-athlete award, announced by the National Football Foundation (NFF).Â
An economics major from Columbus, Ohio, Saunders's success goes far beyond the field. Anticipating to pursue a postgraduate study in business administration, Saunders has spent time doing considerable course work in both Econometrics and Industrial Organization, both of which encouraged thinking more carefully about how information, strategy, and market forces shape the world.Â
In addition to his records broken on the field, Saunders has contributed to many community service and leadership initiatives, reading books for children at local schools, playing kickball with children of special needs, picking up trash for Earth Day and representing the football team at a local marathon.Â
As a two-year team captain for Colgate Football, Saunders has practiced campus leadership with the Raiders of Color Connect (ROCC) program, a student organization created to strengthen relationships between BIPOC student-athletes at Colgate University.Â
"Treyvhon is a true steward of Colgate and embodies what it means to be a scholar-athlete, both on and off the field," Fred '50 and Marilyn Dunlap Head Football Coach Curt Fitzpatrick said. "He is a true competitor with a strong desire to win on the field, and he has the same drive to be a great representative of Colgate Football in the classroom and community."
A preseason All-American and Walter Payton Watchlist selection, Saunders is in the midst of another record-breaking season. He leads the FCS in receiving yards (591), receiving yards per game (147.8), receptions (43), and receptions per game (13.7). He has eclipsed 100 receiving yards in each game thus far this season, including a career-best 223 in the opener against Monmouth (8/29).Â
The senior standout recently surpassed Luke Graham '05 for the most receptions in program history. He now stands alone as the record holder with 223 catches and counting. He has had at least 10 catches in three of the first four games to start the 2025 campaign.Â
About the William V. Campbell Trophy
Celebrating its 36th 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. The Campbell Trophy was first awarded in 1990, adding to the program's prestige. Past recipients include two Rhodes Scholars, a Rhodes Scholar finalist, two Heisman Trophy winners and nine first-round NFL draft picks.
Click here for a list of the past winners of the trophy.
"This year's 178 semifinalists represent the very best of what it means to play college football," said NFF Chairman Archie Manning, whose sons Peyton (Campbell Trophy® winner) and Eli were named NFF National Scholar-Athletes in 1997 and 2003, respectively.Â
Candidates must be a senior or graduate student in their final year of eligibility and must have a GPA of at least 3.2 on a 4.0 scale while also displaying outstanding football ability and strong leadership and citizenship. The candidates come from all levels of play in the NCAA and the NAIA. 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.Â
From the 178 semifinalists, the National Football Foundation will announce 12-16 finalists on October 22 and each of them will receive an $18,000 postgraduate scholarship as a member of the NFF National Scholar-Athlete Class Presented by Fidelity Investments. One of the finalists will be named the winner of the 36th Campbell Trophy during the 67th NFF Annual Awards Dinner Presented by Las Vegas on Dec. 9 and have his postgraduate scholarship increased to $25,000.
UP NEXT
Following the bye week, Colgate Football is back on the road next Saturday, Oct. 4, to take on Central New York rival Cornell for a non-conference showdown in Ithaca. Kickoff is 2 p.m.Â
