Wake Forest Athletics
Wake Forest’s Gabe Kirschke Named Semifinalist for William V. Campbell Trophy
9/23/2026 3:41:00 PM | Football
The redshirt senior is one of 206 semifinalists from across all NCAA divisions and the NAIA.
IRVING, Texas – Wake Forest football redshirt defensive lineman Gabe Kirschke has been named a semifinalist for the 2026 William V. Campbell Trophy, as announced by the National Football Federation and the College Football Hall of Fame on Wednesday afternoon.
Since 2016, the Demon Deacons have had nine semifinalists for the award, including Ryan Javion who was a finalist for the Campbell Trophy in 2016.
Kirschke is one of 206 semifinalists from across every NCAA division and the NAIA.
Entering his second season with the Deacs, Kirschke has been a pillar of the Wake Forest defense, having totaled 49 tackles, including 28 solo efforts. The Lone Tree, Colo., native has also been a force in opponent backfields as he has notched 12.5 tackles-for-loss and six sacks over his time with the Demon Deacons.
Kirschke has also excelled in the classroom and is currently pursuing a bachelor's degree in Communication.
About the Campbell Trophy
Recognized as college football's premier scholar-athlete award, the Campbell Trophy® annually honors the nation's top football scholar-athlete for his combined academic success, football performance and exemplary leadership. Now in its 37th year, the award features a record 206 semifinalists across all NCAA divisions and the NAIA, including 95 from the Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS).
The NFF will announce 12 to 16 finalists on October 21. Each finalist will receive an $18,000 postgraduate scholarship and become a member of the 2026 NFF National Scholar-Athlete Class Presented by Fidelity Investments.
The finalists will be recognized at the 68th NFF Annual Awards Dinner Presented by Las Vegas on December 8 at the Bellagio Resort & Casino in Las Vegas. One finalist will be selected as the recipient of the 37th Campbell Trophy®, with his postgraduate scholarship increased to $25,000.
The NFF National Scholar-Athlete Awards Presented by Fidelity Investments are in their 68th year and have recognized 954 individuals. This year's scholarships will push the program's all-time distribution above $13.5 million.
Since 2016, the Demon Deacons have had nine semifinalists for the award, including Ryan Javion who was a finalist for the Campbell Trophy in 2016.
Kirschke is one of 206 semifinalists from across every NCAA division and the NAIA.
Entering his second season with the Deacs, Kirschke has been a pillar of the Wake Forest defense, having totaled 49 tackles, including 28 solo efforts. The Lone Tree, Colo., native has also been a force in opponent backfields as he has notched 12.5 tackles-for-loss and six sacks over his time with the Demon Deacons.
Kirschke has also excelled in the classroom and is currently pursuing a bachelor's degree in Communication.
About the Campbell Trophy
Recognized as college football's premier scholar-athlete award, the Campbell Trophy® annually honors the nation's top football scholar-athlete for his combined academic success, football performance and exemplary leadership. Now in its 37th year, the award features a record 206 semifinalists across all NCAA divisions and the NAIA, including 95 from the Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS).
The NFF will announce 12 to 16 finalists on October 21. Each finalist will receive an $18,000 postgraduate scholarship and become a member of the 2026 NFF National Scholar-Athlete Class Presented by Fidelity Investments.
The finalists will be recognized at the 68th NFF Annual Awards Dinner Presented by Las Vegas on December 8 at the Bellagio Resort & Casino in Las Vegas. One finalist will be selected as the recipient of the 37th Campbell Trophy®, with his postgraduate scholarship increased to $25,000.
The NFF National Scholar-Athlete Awards Presented by Fidelity Investments are in their 68th year and have recognized 954 individuals. This year's scholarships will push the program's all-time distribution above $13.5 million.
Players Mentioned
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