Chambana Sun

The National Football Foundation & College Hall of Fame (NFF) has announced the largest membership ever for the 2025 Hampshire Honor Society. This society recognizes college football players across all divisions of the NCAA, NAIA, and sprint football who have maintained a cumulative GPA of 3.2 or higher throughout their college careers. In 2025, a record 2,532 players from 339 schools qualified, marking the biggest class in the society's 19-year history.

"Click here for the 2025 list of members," stated the NFF's announcement. The society's members from this year came from six divisions, including 689 from the FBS, 549 from the FCS, 212 from Division II, 978 from Division III, 58 from the NAIA, and 46 sprint football players. Every state, with the exception of Alaska, was represented, as Alaska does not sponsor a college football program eligible for the society. The FBS category alone showed participation from 120 schools, representing a notable 90 percent participation rate.

Illinois has three representatives in this year's class: TeRah Edwards, Ryan Meed, and Hugh Robertson.

The NFF stipulates that nominees for the Hampshire Honor Society must either be senior players graduating in the spring/summer who completed their final year of playing eligibility in 2024, or be graduated players or graduate transfers who have already earned a bachelor's degree and played in the 2024 season, even if they have eligibility remaining to return next season. Furthermore, nominees must have maintained a minimum undergraduate cumulative GPA of 3.2 on a 4.0 scale and have been starters or contributors during the 2024 season.

"The initiative has honored 20,946 student-athletes since its inception," added the NFF, highlighting the program's continued efforts to recognize academic and athletic dedication.