Memphis QB Brady White wins Campbell Trophy, signifying college football’s top scholar-athlete

University of Memphis quarterback Brady White has been named the recipient of the award often referred to as the academic Heisman.  The National Football Foundation and presenting sponsor Mazda on Wednesday announced White as the 31st recipient of the William V. Campbell Trophy.

White led the Tigers to 28 victories during his career, including the American Athletic Conference title and Cotton Bowl appearance in 2019. This season, he led Memphis to an 8-3 record and became the school’s all-time leader in passing yards (10,690) and touchdown passes (90), all while pursuing a doctoral degree.

White’s academic and athletic career began at Arizona State, where he earned a business degree in just three-and-a-half years. As a grad transfer at Memphis, he earned his masters in sports administration in just over a year and is currently working toward a doctoral degree in liberal studies.

“Working towards one’s PhD is a daunting challenge by itself. To do it while excelling at the highest level of college football is truly exceptional,” said NFF chairman Archie Manning in the release. “Brady embodies the scholar-athlete ideal, and we are proud to have him as a member of this elite fraternity.”

I’m extremely proud to be the recipient of this amazing honor,” white said. “It’s something that almost carries more weight than any football award because it represents so much more — athletics, academics and what you do off the field in the community.”

“You couldn’t ask for a better young man to represent your university and your football program,” said Tigers’ coach Ryan Silverfield. “You look at those who’ve won this award before have been outrageously successful in life. He has been, and we know he will be.”

For the near future, White hopes to continue his football career. As an invitee to the canceled East-West Shrine Bowl, he will have an opportunity to participate in virtual drills and training sessions with NFL personnel.

“My entire focus is on being a football player in the next phase of life, but I do know that football is going to end at some point,” he said. “I do plan on completing my doctorate degree. I’ll have to see what doors that might open for me, but I know what I want to do after it will include  the sports world. I’ll figure that out as I move forward.”

In addition to the bronze trophy, White will receive a $25,000 post-graduate scholarship. Past Campbell Trophy winners include Peyton Manning, Tim Tebow and NFL rookie standout Justin Herbert.