CHAMPAIGN, Ill. -- Seven Illini have been honored with the prestigious induction into the NFF Hampshire Honor Society. Illinois is represented by Tanner Arkin, Hank Beatty, Josh Gesky, Aidan Laughery, Kenenna Odeluga, Miles Scott, and James Thompson Jr.
The NFF Hampshire Honor Society is chosen annually and comprised of college football players from all divisions of the NCAA, NAIA and sprint football who each maintained a cumulative 3.2 GPA or better throughout their college careers. The program further strengthens the organization's leadership role in encouraging academic performance by the student-athletes at colleges and universities with football programs nationwide.
The 2026 class includes a record 2,596 players from 365 colleges and universities. Since 2007, the program has recognized 23,568 student-athletes from 691 schools, demonstrating sustained academic performance across the game.
Members are nominated by their respective schools and must meet the following criteria:
- A senior player graduating this spring/summer who completed his final season of eligibility in 2025; or
- A graduate player or grad transfer who has already earned a bachelor's degree and competed in the 2025 season
- Maintained a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.2 (4.0 scale)
- Been a starter or significant contributor during the 2025 season
Click here for the 2025 list of members.
