Ballentine, Semptimphelter, Journell Named NFF Campbell Trophy Semifinalists

CLEVELAND, OH – DePauw senior wide receiver Robby Ballentine (Crown Point, IN/Andrean), John Carroll graduate student quarterback Nick Semptimphelter (Franklin, TN/Battle Ground Academy), and Wooster senior wide receiver Tate Journell (Northfield, MN/Northfield) were among the 177 semifinalists for the National Football Foundation's (NFF) William V. Campbell Trophy, as announced by the organization on Wednesday morning. 
 
"This year's 177 semifinalists represent the very best of what it means to play college football," said NFF Chairman Archie Manning. "They have excelled in the classroom, distinguished themselves on the field, and proven to be leaders in their communities. The Campbell Trophy® stands as a reminder that football develops complete individuals, and these young men embody that tradition at the highest level."
 
In 2024, Ballentine appeared in all 12 games for the Tigers and led the team in key offensive categories. He recorded 78 receptions for 1,204 yards and 20 touchdown catches, including four against Denison on October 19. He also contributed 21 completions for 208 yards with a touchdown pass against Wooster on September 21. The wide receiver led the NCAC in receiving (6.5 receptions/game) and scoring (10 points/game), and ranked among the top 20 nationally in several categories: receiving touchdowns (3rd), total points (T10th, 120), touchdowns (T10th), receiving yards (13th), and scoring (T19th). Ballentine’s efforts last season earned him multiple honors, including First-Team Academic All-America, Second-Team D3football.com All-America, First-Team D3football.com All-Region, and First-Team All-NCAC Offense.
 
In his first season with the Blue Streaks, Semptimphelter earned first-team all-conference honors in 2024 after ranking seventh nationally in yards per passing attempt (10.08), third in passing efficiency (202.08), and second in completion percentage (.761). The quarterback threw 32 touchdowns, the second-most in program history, and set the school record for highest completion percentage in a season. Semptimphelter’s individual game performances included six touchdowns against Marietta on November 16, a perfect 100 percent pass completion rate for 269 yards and three touchdowns against Ohio Northern on November 2, and five-touchdown games against both Wilmington (October 26) and Mount Saint Joseph (November 23). The Franklin, Tennessee native became the first quarterback in program history to complete 100 percent of his passes with at least 10 attempts. He led the OAC with 38 passing touchdowns and averaged 242.7 passing yards per game.
 
Journell appeared in four games with three starts in 2024, missing significant time due to injury. He opened the season strong, recording 16 tackles and an interception over his first three games, including seven tackles and an interception against Wilmington on September 7, and five tackles with two pass breakups at DePauw on September 21. Journell returned to action on November 2 against Hiram, adding three tackles. In addition to his defensive contributions, he served as the team’s holder and was named to Wooster’s Athletic Director Honor Roll for the fall semester.
 
The NFF will announce 12-16 finalists on October 22, and each of them will receive a $18,000 postgraduate scholarship as a member of the 2025 NFF National Scholar-Athlete Class Presented by Fidelity Investments. The finalists will travel to the Bellagio Resort & Casino in Las Vegas for the 67th NFF Annual Awards Dinner Presented by Las Vegas on December 9, where their accomplishments will be highlighted in front of one of the most powerful audiences in all of sports. Live during the event, one member of the class will be declared as the winner of the 36th Campbell Trophy® and have his postgraduate scholarship increased to $25,000. Click here for more information on the Awards Dinner, including options to purchase tickets online, special travel rates to the event from Delta Air Lines and room rates at the Bellagio.
 

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