Oklahoma State linebacker Ethan Wesloski has landed among the nation’s elite off the field and on it, earning a spot as one of 18 finalists for the 2026 William V. Campbell Trophy, the National Football Foundation and College Hall of Fame announced Wednesday.
The award, widely known as the “Academic Heisman,” honors the country’s top player for academic achievement, football performance and leadership. As one of the 2026 NFF National Scholar-Athlete Class Presented by Fidelity Investments, each finalist will receive an $18,000 postgraduate scholarship.
Wesloski was chosen out of a pool of 206 semifinalists. He graduated magna cum laude from North Texas in December 2025 with a degree in kinesiology and exercise science and a 3.86 GPA, and he is now working toward a master’s degree in human performance with a concentration in applied exercise science.
His résumé stacks up quickly. Wesloski is a two-time CSC Academic All-District selection, a two-time American Conference All-Academic Team honoree, a five-time President’s List selection and a two-time Dean’s List selection.
He spent three years as a letterman at North Texas before transferring to Oklahoma State in 2026, where he was named a season captain in his first year with the Cowboys. He also represented the program at Big 12 Media Days and serves in a leadership role on the defensive side.
The production has matched the profile. Through half of the 2026 regular season, Wesloski ranks No. 2 among all Power 4 players with 10.3 tackles per game. He is also the only player in the FBS with two 17-tackle games this season.
Wesloski is Oklahoma State’s sixth NFF National Scholar-Athlete and the school’s first since 2017. He joins Brad Lundblade (2017), Billy Bajema (2004), Kyle Eaton (2002), Doug Freeman (1982) and Rex Russell (1962) on that list.
The finalists will head to the Bellagio Resort & Casino in Las Vegas for the 68th NFF Annual Awards Dinner Presented by Las Vegas on Dec. 8. There, one member of the class will be named the winner of the 37th Campbell Trophy, and that postgraduate scholarship will rise to $25,000.
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Oklahoma State Faces A Protection Test Colorado Could Exploit
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Manuel and Hopper are expected to be central to that plan, with the Buffaloes hoping their aggression translates into steady heat on a quarterback who has been productive through the air this season. If Colorado can force Oklahoma State to deal with that pressure early, it could shape the rhythm of the game and determine whether Mestemaker is able to settle in or spend the afternoon under stress. [Read more 🡒]