TOWSON, Md. – Towson University offensive lineman Joden Nelson has been named a semifinalist for the William V. Campbell Trophy®, announced by the National Football Foundation (NFF) on Wednesday.
 
The Campbell Trophy®, awarded by the National Football Foundation (NFF), recognizes an individual as the absolute best scholar-athlete in the nation for combined academic success, football performance and exemplary leadership.  Nelson is one of 206 student-athletes from around the country, and 45 in FCS, to be named a semifinalist.
 
It is the second straight season where a Towson player has been a semifinalist for the Campbell Trophy, with Bryce LaFollette being selected in 2025.  Nelson joins fellow Tigers Jamal Gay (2023), Aaron Grzymkowski (2020, 2021), Jake Ryder (2016) and Yaky Ibia (2010) among others who have been honored as Campbell Trophy® semifinalists.
 
On the field, Nelson has been a starter on the offensive line the past two seasons at center and left guard, playing in 34 career games so far for Towson from 2022-26.  He is also a multiple time member of the CAA Football Commissioner's Academic Honor Roll and has been part of several community service projects with and outside Towson football.

Nelson is playing as a graduate student, earning his degree from Towson in sport management.
 
On Oct. 21, the NFF will announce 12-16 finalists, with each receiving an $18,000 postgraduate scholarship.  The 37^th Campbell Trophy® will be awarded at the NFF Annual Awards Dinner on Dec. 8.