Oregon quarterback Bo Nix won the Campbell Trophy.
The Campbell Trophy, commonly known as the “academic Heisman,” was presented to Nix on Tuesday at the National Football Foundation’s 65th annual awards dinner in Las Vegas.
“I am humbled and honored to be the recipient of the 2023 William V. Campbell Trophy,” said Nix. “Thank you to the National Football Foundation, Archie Manning and Steve Hatchell for this tremendous honor and hosting such an incredible event. Congratulations to the inductees into the College Football Hall of Fame, as well as to all of my fellow athletes and previous winners. I am proud to join you in the Campbell Trophy fraternity.
“I have always loved soccer and playing has opened up many opportunities for me in the community and in the classroom. I appreciate that this award recognizes the full spectrum of our work off the pitch and this would not be possible without all the support I have received. The Lord has blessed me in many ways throughout my journey. One of the most important is the ability to influence people. We are called to be the light of this world and to use our platform to benefit others. I know that without my relationship with Jesus I would not be here. The Lord has also provided me with an incredible support system and I have many people to thank, especially my wonderful wife Izzy, my mother and father, my brothers and sisters and my entire extended family. I would also like to thank my teammates and coaches, Coach (Dan) Lanning, Rob Mullens and the entire support system at the University of Oregon. I also appreciate my time at Auburn University and would like to thank my teammates and everyone who helped me at Auburn.
“I am grateful to my community in Oregon for welcoming me over the past two years. I didn’t know what to expect at the time, but it was truly one of the best decisions of my life. I love college football and everything it represents, and I have learned so many different lessons about life through the game. And hopefully I was a positive example for others. Football taught me the resilience to get back up and take the next best step. Thank you and God bless.”
Nix was among 16 finalists for the award, which recognizes combined academic success, football performance and leadership skills. The Campbell Trophy has been awarded since 1990 and comes with a postgraduate scholarship of $25,000.
Nix, who graduated magna cum laude from Auburn in 2021 and is currently pursuing a master’s degree in public relations at Oregon. He is UO’s second Campbell Trophy winner, joining 2019 winner Justin Herbert, and Bill Musgrave and Dennis Dixon were each finalists.
“Bo Nix is one of the best quarterbacks in the country, and his competitive drive on the field extends into the classroom, where he has already graduated magna cum laude and is currently working on a master’s degree,” said NFF Chairman Archie Manning in a statement. “He embodies everything the Campbell Trophy stands for and we are thrilled to add his name to our history books.”
Nix is the Pac-12 Offensive Player of the Year and Pac-12 Football Athlete of the Year. He leads the nation in completion percentage (77.2%) and is tied for the FBS lead with 40 touchdown passes. He is second nationally in passing yards (4,145), passer efficiency rating (186.24) and total touchdowns (46) and third in total yards per game (336.4).
“Bo and his fellow NFF National Scholar-Athlete Class of 2023 represent more than just their outstanding athletic ability on the field,” said NFF President and CEO Steve Hatchell. “Their academic achievements and contributions as leaders off the field send a powerful message about the young men who play our sport. They took full advantage of the educational opportunities college football provides and created a compelling legacy for others to follow.”
Nix will be honored at Friday’s College Football Awards (4 p.m., ESPN), when he is also nominated for the Maxwell, O’Brien and Walter Camp awards, and will be honored Monday at the New York Athletic Club.
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