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Iowa

Aaron Graves named finalist for Campbell Trophy

On3 imageby: Tom Kakert8 hours agoHawkeyeReport
aaron graves
Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images

University of Iowa senior defensive tackle Aaron Graves has been named a finalist for the 2025 William V. Campbell Trophy, the nation’s premier scholar-athlete award.

As a finalist, he is also a member of the NFF National Scholar-Athlete Class and will receive an $18,000 postgraduate scholarship. Graves is one of 16 finalists for the award from a pool of 180 candidates nationwide. The winner of the Campbell Trophy will be announced Dec. 9, at the 67th NFF Annual Awards Dinner at the Bellagio Resort & Casino in Las Vegas.

Graves (6-foot-5, 295) has started all seven games at defensive tackle this season. He has 25 tackles, 3.5 tackles for loss, three hurries and two sacks. In the Week 7 road win at Wisconsin, Graves recorded his first career interception with a 35-yard return to the 1-yard line to set up an Iowa touchdown in the 37-0 shutout victory.

The Dayton, Iowa, native earned his bachelor’s degree in exercise science with the highest distinction in May, graduating with an unblemished grade point average. He is currently enrolled in the sport and recreation management master’s program.

IGraves was an honorable mention All-Big Ten selection by both the coaches and media in 2024 after finishing with 33 tackles, six sacks, eight TFL, three forced fumbles, three pass breakups and two hurries. The three forced fumbles were tops in the Big Ten Conference. He also was a second-team CSC Academic All-American in 2024 and has twice been named a CSC Academic All-District selection.

Graves is the eighth Iowa football student-athlete to be named a NFF National Scholar-Athlete. Former honorees include linebacker Jack Campbell (2022), linebacker James Morris (2013), linebacker Mike Klinkenborg (2007), offensive lineman Derek Rose (1998), tight end Mike Flagg (1987), defensive back Bob Elliott (1975) and defensive lineman John Charles Hendricks (1968).  Campbell was the first Hawkeye to win the William V. Campbell Trophy in 2022.

Campbell Trophy® Finalists:

  • Robby Ballentine, WR – DePauw (IN) // Biochemistry (3.92)
  • Jonah Coleman, RB – Washington // Education (3.91)
  • James Conway, LB – Fordham // Marketing Information Systems (3.71)
  • Jalon Daniels, QB – Kansas // Sport Management (3.58)
  • Ty Dugger, DB – Harding (AR) // Accounting (3.92)
  • Aaron Graves, DL – Iowa // Exercise Science (4.03)
  • Blake Horvath, QB – Navy // Operations Research (3.69)
  • Chandler Kirton, OL – Austin Peay // Management (3.92)
  • Trey Moore, LB – Texas // Physical Culture & Sports (3.65)
  • Red Murdock, LB – Buffalo // Psychology (3.46)
  • Parker Navarro, QB – Ohio // Integrated Health Studies (3.96)
  • Sawyer Robertson, QB – Baylor // Marketing (3.73)
  • Eli Stowers, TE – Vanderbilt // Individual Studies (3.92)
  • Jack Strand, QB – Minnesota State Moorhead // Engineering Physics (3.87)
  • Andon Thomas, LB – Army West Point // Chemical Engineering (3.98)
  • Jackson Waring, QB – Grand View (IA) // Psychology (3.88)

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