Duquesne football grad Tyler Rieger just snagged a pretty big academic honor—he’s been named to the 2026 National Football Foundation (NFF) Hampshire Honor Society. This isn’t just about his football skills; it’s a nod to his hard work in the classroom, too.
The NFF Hampshire Honor Society has been around for 20 years now, and it’s honored more than 23,596 student-athletes from 692 schools since 2007. The 2026 class is something else—2,624 players from 368 schools, which is apparently the biggest group they’ve ever had.
That’s a lot of college football players doing well in school, honestly. Makes you wonder how they find the time.
The Legacy of the NFF Hampshire Honor Society
This society started because college coaches wanted a way to recognize not just their star athletes, but the ones who were killing it academically, too. NFF President & CEO Steve Hatchell says the idea came straight from those coaches.
Now, two decades later, it’s still going strong and shining a light on academic achievement in college football.
Criteria for Induction
So, how do you get in? The requirements are pretty specific.
- You need to be a senior player graduating in spring or summer, finishing your final year of playing eligibility in 2025.
- Or, you could be a grad or grad transfer who already has a bachelor’s degree and played in 2025, even if you might come back next season.
On top of that, you need at least a 3.2 GPA on a 4.0 scale. And you have to be a starter or at least a real contributor during the 2025 season.
Spotlight on Tyler Rieger
Back to Rieger—he’s a grad student, long snapper, and special teams player. He finished his bachelor’s in history and is now working on a grad degree in executive leadership.
Getting into the NFF Hampshire Honor Society is no small feat. It’s a pretty clear sign of his commitment, both on the field and in his studies.
Other Notable Inductees
Rieger’s not the only Duquesne player to make the cut. There are a couple of other familiar names:
- Joey Isabella (2025) – Wide receiver, bachelor’s in accounting, now chasing an MBA.
- Kevin Kurzinger (2025) – Defensive lineman, bachelor’s in health sciences, master’s in health administration.
These guys are juggling a lot, and honestly, it’s impressive to see that kind of balance.
The Significance of Academic Achievement in College Football
Recognizing players like Rieger really puts a spotlight on how important academics are in college football. The NFF Hampshire Honor Society gives these student-athletes a platform to show off their hard work, both in class and on the field.
Balancing sports and studies isn’t easy, but it’s a big part of getting ready for life after college. Maybe that’s what makes this honor feel even more meaningful.
Impact on Future Student-Athletes
Seeing Rieger and his teammates succeed sets the bar pretty high for younger players. Their stories are proof that you can go all-in on both school and sports.
It also highlights how much support matters—academic advisors, coaches, and families all play a part in helping these athletes keep it together.
The Future of the NFF Hampshire Honor Society
As the society hits its 20-year mark, it’s still growing. The record number of inductees in 2026 just shows how much more attention academic achievement is getting in college football.
It’s nice to see student-athletes getting recognized for more than just what they do under the stadium lights.
Looking Ahead
The NFF Hampshire Honor Society’s influence isn’t going anywhere. It’s set to keep pushing academic excellence in college football for years to come.
When student-athletes like Tyler Rieger get recognized, it encourages a culture where both brains and athleticism matter. That kind of recognition? It doesn’t just help the players—it lifts the whole university community.
For more info or if you’re curious about the full 2026 NFF press release, click here.
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