Oregon quarterback Bo Nix has won the Campbell Trophy.
Commonly known as the “academic Heisman,” the Campbell Trophy was presented to Nix during Tuesday’s 65th National Football Foundation annual awards dinner in Las Vegas.
“I am honored and humbled to be the recipient of the 2023 William V. Campbell Trophy,” Nix said. “Thank you to the National Football Foundation, Archie Manning and Steve Hatchell for this tremendous honor and for hosting such an incredible event. Congratulations to the college football Hall of Fame inductees and all of my fellow scholar athletes and the previous winners, I’m proud to join you in the Campbell Trophy fraternity.
“I’ve always loved football and playing it has brought many opportunities in the community and in the classroom. I appreciate that this honor recognizes the full range of work that we do outside of the football field and this wouldn’t be possible without all of my support that I’ve received. The Lord has blessed me in many ways along my journey. One of the most important is the opportunity to influence people. As we are called to be the light in this world and to utilize our platform to benefit others. I know I would not be here without my relationship with Jesus. The Lord has also provided me with an incredible support system and I have many people to thank, especially my beautiful wife Izzy, my mom and dad, my brothers and sisters and all of my extended family. I also want to thank my teammates and coaches, coach (Dan) Lanning, Rob Mullens and the entire support system at the University of Oregon. I appreciate my time at Auburn University as well and I want to thank my teammates and everyone who helped me at Auburn.
“I’m grateful for my Oregon community who welcomed me during the past two years. At the time I didn’t know what the expect but it’s truly been one of the best decisions of my life. I love college football and everything that is represents and I’ve learned so many different lessons about life from the game. And hopefully I’ve been a positive example to others. Football has taught me the resiliency to get back up and to keep taking 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. Awarded since 1990, the Campbell Trophy comes with a $25,000 postgraduate scholarship.
Nix, who graduated magna cum laude from Auburn in 2021, is currently pursuing a master’s in public relations at Oregon. He’s the second Campbell Trophy winner from UO, joining 2019 winner Justin Herbert, and Bill Musgrave and Dennis Dixon were each finalists.
“Bo Nix is one of the best quarterbacks in the nation, and his competitive drive on the field extends to the classroom where he has already graduated magna cum laude and is currently working on a master’s degree,” NFF Chairman Archie Manning said in a statement. “He embodies everything the Campbell Trophy represents, and we are extremely pleased to add his name to our history books.”
The Pac-12 offensive player of the year and Pac-12 football scholar athlete of the year, Nix leads the nation in completion percentage (77.2%) and is tied for the FBS lead with 40 touchdown passes. He’s second in the country in passing yards (4,145), passer efficiency rating (186.24) and total touchdowns (46), and is third in total yards per game (336.4).
“Bo and his fellow members of the 2023 NFF National Scholar-Athlete Class represent more than just their standout athletic ability seen on the field,” said NFF President & CEO Steve Hatchell. “Their academic achievements and their contributions as leaders off the field send a powerful message about the young men who play our sport. They have taken full advantage of the educational opportunities provided by college football, and they have created a compelling legacy for others to follow.”
Nix will be recognized during the College Football Awards on Friday (4 p.m., ESPN), when he is also up for the Maxwell, O’Brien and Walter Camp awards, and be honored at the New York Athletic Club on Monday.
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