Seth McLaughlin is officially one of the top scholar-athletes in college football.
The Ohio State center was named Wednesday as one of 16 finalists for the Campbell Trophy, informally known as the “academic Heisman,” which honors college football’s top scholar-athlete in recognition of his combined academic success, football performance and exemplary leadership.
Congratulations to @Seth_Mc24 on being named a 2024 William V. Campbell Trophy finalist and a member of the 2024 #NFF National Scholar-Athlete class, presented by @Fidelity!@OhioStAthletics | @OhioStateFB pic.twitter.com/v5DZuKUyVn
— National Football Foundation (@NFFNetwork) October 23, 2024
Being named a finalist makes McLaughlin a member of the 2024 NFF National Scholar-Athlete class. He receives a $18,000 postgraduate scholarship, which will be increased to $25,000 if he wins the Campbell Trophy, as an award for being named a National Scholar-Athlete.
The Campbell Trophy winner will be announced Dec. 10 during the National Football Foundation’s annual awards dinner in Las Vegas.
McLaughlin has been an exceptional student dating back to his years at Alabama, where he graduated summa cum laude with a perfect 4.0 grade-point average in just two-and-a-half years. He was named a first-team Academic All-American in 2023, his final season with the Crimson Tide.
After transferring to Ohio State this offseason, McLaughlin is now working toward earning a third college degree in human development and family science after earning a bachelor’s degree in finance and a master’s degree in sports hospitality management at Alabama.
On the field, McLaughlin has made a massive impact on Ohio State’s offensive line as its new starting center, earning midseason All-American recognition from multiple media outlets.
McLaughlin has also been active in the community at both Alabama and Ohio State. Last November, McLaughlin sold “Run the Damn Ball” hats and donated the proceeds to the West Alabama Food Bank. He told ABC6 last month that he plans to sell the hats again for charity this fall.
McLaughlin is Ohio State’s first NFF National Scholar-Athlete since Jordan Fuller in 2019. Ohio State has two previous Campbell Trophy winners, both quarterbacks: Bobby Hoying (1995) and Craig Krenzel (2003).
Ohio State’s 23 NFF National Scholar-Athletes
- 2024: Seth McLaughlin
- 2019: Jordan Fuller
- 2015: Jacoby Boren
- 2008: Brian Robiskie
- 2003: Craig Krenzel (Campbell Trophy winner)
- 1999: Ahmed Plummer
- 1996: Greg Bellisari
- 1995: Bobby Hoying (Campbell Trophy winner)
- 1994: Joey Galloway
- 1992: Greg Smith
- 1990: Greg Frey
- 1989: Joe Staysniak
- 1985: Mike Lanese
- 1984: Dave Crecelius
- 1983: John Frank
- 1982: Joe Smith
- 1979: Jim Laughlin
- 1975: Brian Baschnagel
- 1973: Randy Gradishar
- 1970: Rex Kern
- 1968: David Foley
- 1965: Willard Sander
- 1964: Arnold Chonko
