IRVING, Texas - San José State University is proud to announce that senior linebacker Taniela Latu has been selected as a semifinalist for the prestigious 2025 William V. Campbell Trophy, often regarded as college football’s top scholar-athlete award.
Latu has distinguished himself as a true scholar-athlete. Academically, he upholds the Campbell Trophy’s requirement of a minimum 3.2 GPA, standing among the nation’s finest in the classroom. His dedication extends beyond academics, as he continues to represent San José State with leadership and integrity on campus and in the community. On the field, Latu has been a key contributor to the Spartans’ defense, earning recognition for his tackling, play recognition, and leadership by being a two-year captain. His consistent performance and presence as a team leader exemplify the qualities celebrated by the Campbell Trophy.
Each year, the National Football Foundation (NFF) invites one nominee from each institution to compete for the Campbell Trophy, which recognizes the student-athlete who best combines academic excellence, football performance, and exemplary leadership. On September 24, the NFF unveiled a list of 177 semifinalists for the award, drawn from all NCAA divisions and the NAIA, with an average GPA of 3.60.
Later this fall, the NFF will narrow the pool of semifinalists to 12–16 finalists, each of whom will be honored as part of the 2025 NFF National Scholar-Athlete Class. Each finalist will receive an $18,000 postgraduate scholarship, with the Campbell Trophy® recipient’s award increased to $25,000. Finalists will be celebrated at the 67th NFF Annual Awards Dinner, scheduled for December 9 at the Bellagio Resort & Casino in Las Vegas.
Taniela Latu, LB, Sr-R., San Mateo, Calif./Junipero Serra HS/College of San Mateo
- 20 tackles with 2.5 for loss and a pass breakup in 2025
- Phil Steele Preseason Mountain West Second-Team Defense (2025)
- Athlon Sports Preseason Mountain West Second-Team Defense (2025)
- All-Mountain West Honorable Mention (2024)
- Finished 2024 with career-highs in tackles (70), tackles for loss (7), pass breakups (2), forced fumbles (1), and sacks (1)
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