IRVING, TX – Denison senior wide receiver Grayson Kerscher (Naples, FL/Community School of Naples), DePauw senior defensive back Zach Reese (Franklin, IN/Franklin), John Carroll graduate student offensive lineman Grant Myers (Youngstown, OH/Howland), and Wooster senior defensive back Brock Sivon (Perry, OH/Perry) were among a record 206 semifinalists for the National Football Foundation's (NFF) William V. Campbell Trophy, as announced by the organization on Wednesday.
"Every year, I'm amazed by what these young men are able to accomplish," said NFF Chairman Archie Manning. "Playing college football takes an enormous commitment, and to perform at a high level on the field while also excelling in the classroom and serving as a leader on campus is something special. These 206 semifinalists have a lot to be proud of, and it's a privilege to recognize their accomplishments."
Kerscher put together one of the best receiving seasons in Denison history in 2025, starting all 10 games and recording 78 receptions for 1,239 yards and 12 touchdowns. He led the NCAC in receiving yards, yards per reception (15.9), and receiving yards per game (123.9), which ranked second nationally in receiving yards per game, and became the third player in program history to reach 1,000 receiving yards in a season. Against DePauw on October 25, he caught 12 passes for 197 yards and two touchdowns, including a 99-yard score, the longest play in Denison history. Kerscher was named Second-Team CSC Academic All-America, First-Team All-NCAC, and Third-Team D3football.com All-Region last season.
Reese appeared in seven games for the Tigers last fall, recording 33 tackles, including 14 solo and 19 assisted tackles, along with three pass breakups. He posted a season-high eight tackles against Rose Hulman on September 6 and added seven tackles against John Carroll on October 18. Reese also played in all 12 games in 2024. A computer science major, he has been named to DePauw's Tiger Honor Roll.
Myers served as the Blue Streaks' left tackle and anchored an offensive line that helped John Carroll win the NCAC crown in its debut season in the league. The unit paved the way for the conference's top rushing attack (172.9 yards per game) and protected quarterback Nick Semptimphelter, who set the NCAA Division III single-season record for completion percentage (.779). In 2025, Myers earned Second-Team CSC Academic All-America, First-Team All-NCAC, and D3football.com All-Region honors.
Sivon, Wooster's leading tackler in 2025, recorded 93 stops, 49 solo and 44 assisted, the second most tackles in the NCAC, and reached double figures in six games. He had 13 tackles at Wilmington on September 6, against John Carroll on October 25, and against Kenyon on November 1, along with 10 tackles and a blocked punt against Denison on October 11. Sivon has earned CSC Academic All-District honors and has been named to Wooster's Athletic Director Honor Roll.
The NFF will announce 12 to 16 finalists on October 21, and each of them will receive an $18,000 postgraduate scholarship as a member of the 2026 NFF National Scholar-Athlete Class Presented by Fidelity Investments. The finalists will travel to the Bellagio Resort & Casino in Las Vegas for the 68th NFF Annual Awards Dinner Presented by Las Vegas on December 8, where their accomplishments will be highlighted in front of one of the most powerful audiences in all of sports. During the event, one member of the class will be named the winner of the 37th Campbell Trophy® and will 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.