IRVING, Texas – Black Hills State University senior linebacker, Sebastian O'Farrell, was recognized as semifinalist for the 2025 William V. Campbell Trophy^® on Wednesday afternoon. Deemed the "Academic Heisman," the Campbell Trophy is among the most prestigious awards given out in all levels of college football. This year O'Farrell is among 177 semifinalists, 15 from NCAA Division II, three from the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference, and three from South Dakota colleges. Additionally, he is one of just five nominees that currently hold a perfect 4.0 GPA.

O'Farrell, a leader on the Yellow Jacket defense from his linebacker position, entered the fall having appeared in 30 games in his previous three seasons and started all 11 contests as a junior. He had made 99 total tackles, 9.0 tackles-for-loss, 2.5 sacks, three pass deflections, one forced fumble, and one blocked kick. Thus far in 2025, he is one of ten Yellow Jackets with double digit tackles, making 10.0 total tackles, 0.5 tackles-for-loss, and three quarterback hurries. He set a season-high of 8.0 total tackles last Saturday in a win at Fort Lewis.

In the classroom O'Farrell is a double major in biology and psychology and also holds a minor in chemistry. He has been recognized as a 2-time RMAC Academic Honor Roll recipient, a 2024 First Team Academic All-RMAC selection, a 2024 CSC Academic All-District selection, and was the male recipient from the RMAC for the NCAA Division II 50^th Anniversary Scholarship in May of 2024. Looking to enter the medical field he is in the works of writing a manuscript, while he has also already co-authored an abstract as a part of the United States Association for Study of Pain in BRIN and SBSM. Additionally, he has given multiple presentations as a part of BRIN and SBSM Conferences.

"It's rare to find a student athlete who has the commitment to be such a high achiever in the classroom and on the field," commented head coach Josh Breske. "Sebastian has proven during his time here at Black Hills that he is a notch above the rest when it comes to overall performance. His dedication is second to none. Any given day you can find Sebastian in the lobby of the Young Center with this laptop open – tutoring other members of the team or studying for a big exam. When it comes to his football prowess – Sebastian is a pivotal member of our defense and team. He's displayed vocal leadership and has taken an active role in setting the direction of the team. On the field he's an intense defender and due to his film study and preparation – he's usually a step ahead. Sebastian is one of the marquee members of our program and has set the bar for his teammates when it comes to being a true student athlete."

The NFF will announce 12-16 finalists on Oct. 22, and each of them will receive an $18,000 postgraduate scholarship as a member of the 2025 NFF National Scholar-Athlete Class Presented by Fidelity Investments. The finalists will travel to the Bellagio Resort & Casino in Las Vegas for the 67th NFF Annual Awards Dinner Presented by Las Vegas on Dec. 9, where their accomplishments will be highlighted in front of one of the most powerful audiences in all of sports. Live during the event, one member of the class will be declared as the winner of the 36th Campbell Trophy® and have his postgraduate scholarship increased to $25,000. Click here for more information on the Awards Dinner, including options to purchase tickets online, special travel rates to the event from Delta Air Lines and room rates at the Bellagio.

Nominated by their schools, which are limited to one nominee each, candidates for the awards must be a senior who will complete his final year of eligibility in the 2025 season or a graduate student or graduate transfer who has already earned a degree and is participating in the 2025 season; have a GPA of at least 3.2 on a 4.0 scale; have outstanding football ability as a first team player or significant contributor; and have demonstrated strong leadership and citizenship. The class is selected each year by the NFF Awards Committee, which is comprised of a nationally recognized group of media, NFF College Football Hall of Famers and athletics administrators.

Launched in 1959, the NFF National Scholar-Athlete Awards Presented by Fidelity Investments celebrate their 67th year in 2025. The awards were the first initiative in history to grant postgraduate scholarships based on both a player's academic and athletic accomplishments, and the NFF has recognized 938 outstanding individuals since the program's inception. This year's postgraduate scholarships will push the program's all-time distribution to more than $13.2 million.
The Campbell Trophy® was first awarded in 1990, adding to the program's prestige. Past recipients include two Rhodes Scholars, a Rhodes Scholar finalist, two Heisman Trophy winners and nine first-round NFL draft picks. Click here for a list of the past winners of the trophy.

Named in honor of the late Bill Campbell, the trophy has been prominently displayed inside its official home at the New York Athletic Club since 2013, and the winner is honored each year during a special luncheon at the storied venue.

Fidelity Investments became the presenting sponsor of the NFF National Scholar-Athlete Awards in 2011, marking its 15th year of support in 2025. As part of its commitment to the NFF and higher education nationwide, Fidelity helped launch the NFF Faculty Salutes, which honor the faculty athletics representative (FAR) at each institution with a Campbell Trophy® finalist. Following the selection of the finalists, the NFF presents each school's FAR with a commemorative plaque, and Fidelity contributes $5,000 to the school's academic support services. Since the program's inception, the Salutes have recognized 198 FARs, with Fidelity providing a total of $990,000 in donations.