IRVING — Texas Wesleyan University quarterback Cole Francis has been named a semifinalist for the 2026 William V. Campbell Trophy, continuing a recent run of recognition for the Rams in one of college football's premier scholar-athlete awards.
Francis is one of 206 semifinalists for the award, which recognizes student-athletes for their academic success, football performance and leadership. The National Football Foundation announced the 2026 semifinalists Wednesday.
Francis is the third Texas Wesleyan football player in the last three years to earn Campbell Trophy semifinalist recognition. Jaysen Price received the honor in 2024, followed by Ashton Mitchell-Johnson in 2025.
The three-year stretch marks a notable run for the Rams, with Texas Wesleyan represented among the semifinalists each year since 2024.
Francis, a redshirt senior from Katy, Texas, is in his fourth season with the Rams and is listed as a team captain on the 2026 roster. The 6-foot-4 quarterback has been a significant contributor to the Texas Wesleyan offense throughout his career.
The 2026 Campbell Trophy semifinalist class includes 206 student-athletes from across the NCAA and NAIA. Collectively, the group has an average 3.64 GPA and includes 130 team captains, 24 All-Americans and 98 student-athletes who have already earned their undergraduate degrees. Texas Wesleyan is one of three NAIA programs represented in this year's semifinalist class.
Price, who played for Texas Wesleyan from 2021-24, earned the semifinalist honor following his senior season in 2024. Price was a standout return specialist for the Rams and finished his career as a three-time Sooner Athletic Conference champion. He is now an assistant wide receivers coach at Texas Wesleyan.
Mitchell-Johnson was Texas Wesleyan's Campbell Trophy semifinalist in 2025, giving the Rams consecutive years of representation before Francis continued the streak in 2026.
The Campbell Trophy was first awarded in 1990 and recognizes the nation's top football scholar-athlete based on a combination of academic performance, football ability and leadership. The NFF will announce 12 to 16 finalists Oct. 21. Each finalist will receive an $18,000 postgraduate scholarship, with the Campbell Trophy winner receiving an increased $25,000 scholarship.
