The National Football Foundation's Hampshire Honor Society is a key part of the NFF's mission to promote academic excellence, leadership and personal development through football. Created in 2007 with support from Jon F. Hanson, the program expanded the NFF's ability to recognize student-athletes beyond its National Scholar-Athlete program. The NFF Hampshire Honor Society is one of the most comprehensive scholar-athlete initiatives in college athletics, recognizing football players from all divisions who have maintained a cumulative 3.2 GPA or higher.
Celebrating its 20th anniversary, the NFF Hampshire Honor Society has recognized 23,568 student-athletes from 691 schools since 2007. The 2026 class, which includes a record 2,596 players from 365 schools, represents the largest group in the program's history and underscores the sustained academic achievement taking place across all levels of college football. This season there were 2,333 NCAA Div. II honorees.
The Northwest Missouri State University football team had 14 players gain a spot on the NFF's Hampshire Honor Society.
Northwest Missouri State ranks No. 3 all-time among NCAA Div. II institutions on the NFF's Hampshire Honor Society with 90 selections.
Most All-Time NCAA Div. II Selections to NFF's Hampshire Honor Society
1. Bentley University (Mass.)Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â 108
2. Wayne State University (Mich.)Â Â Â Â Â Â 104
3. Northwest Missouri State University   90
4. Harding University (Ark.)Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â 85
5. Wingate University (N.C.)Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â 81
6. Colorado School of Mines                   79
7. Ashland University (Ohio)Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â 67
8. University of Indianapolis                   64
9. University of Minnesota-Duluth           60
10. Ferris State University (Mich.)Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â 57
Since 2007, the program has recognized 23,568 student-athletes from 691 schools, demonstrating sustained academic performance across the game.Â
NFF Hampshire Honor Society members must be nominated by their respective schools; be a senior in his final year of eligibility or a graduated player who has already earned a bachelor's degree; earn a minimum 3.2 GPA; and have been a starter or contributor to the football team.Â
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