(Pokes Report Robert Allen contributed to this report.)
STILLWATER – Oklahoma State linebacker Ethan Wesloski is one of 18 national finalists for the 2026 William V. Campbell Trophy, announced Wednesday by the National Football Foundation (NFF) & College Hall of Fame.
Known as the "Academic Heisman," the award annually recognizes an individual as the best in the nation for his combined academic success, football performance and exemplary leadership. Finalists will receive an $18,000 postgraduate scholarship as members of the 2026 NFF National Scholar-Athlete Class Presented by Fidelity Investments.
Oklahoma State has a rich history with the Campbell Trophy as Brad Lundblade was also a finalist. Under the leadership of Marilyn Middlebrook as Associate Athletic Director for Academic Affairs and the support of previous Oklahoma State football head coaches the academics of football was turned around. Oklahoma State had Brad Lundblade (2017), Billy Bajema (2004), Kyle Eaton (2002), Doug Freeman (1982) and Rex Russell (1962) honored as NFF National Scholar-Athletes.
Wesloski graduated magna cum laude from North Texas in December 2025 with a degree in kinesiology and exercise science and a 3.86 GPA. Selected from a field of 206 semifinalists, he is pursuing a master's degree in human performance with a concentration in applied exercise science. He is one of seven defensive players, three linebackers and two Big 12 players named a finalist.
A two-time CSC Academic All-District selection, he earned American Conference All-Academic Team honors twice and was named to the President's List five times and Dean's List twice. A three-year letterman at North Texas, Wesloski transferred to Oklahoma State in 2026 and was named a season captain in his first season with the Cowboys. He also represented the team at Big 12 Media Days and serves as a leader on the defensive unit.
Halfway through the 2026 regular season, Wesloski ranks No. 2 among all Power 4 players with an average of 10.3 tackles per game. He is also the only player in the FBS with two 17-tackle games this season.
He is an excellent leader for defensive coordinator Skyler Cassity. He deflects credit when it is deserving, which is often. Then when things don’t go as well as planned, like last Saturday in the 35-32 loss to Houston, Wesloski is the first to accept responsibility.
“You gotta look inwards first, my tackling wasn’t good enough,” Wesloski said after the Houston game. “I was leaving too much space between me and ballcarriers. I can’t speak for the other 10 guys on the field with me, but if I’m giving an eagle-eye view, I’d just say it wasn’t good enough.”
Campbell Trophy finalists will travel to the Bellagio Resort & Casino in Las Vegas for the 68th NFF Annual Awards Dinner Presented by Las Vegas on Dec. 8, 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 named the winner of the 37th Campbell Trophy and have his postgraduate scholarship increased to $25,000.
