The National Football Foundation & College Hall of Fame (NFF) just dropped the list for the 2026 NFF Hampshire Honor Society. This group celebrates college football players from all divisions—NCAA, NAIA, and even sprint football—who’ve kept a GPA of 3.2 or higher across their college years.
Three Franklin & Marshall College seniors made the cut: Anthony Bonanno, Ty Tremba, and Gary Lewis. These guys really show what it means to juggle academics and sports at a high level, which is pretty much what the NFF and Hampshire Foundation are all about.
Franklin & Marshall’s Academic and Athletic Excellence
Franklin & Marshall College has always pushed for both brains and brawn. With Anthony Bonanno, Ty Tremba, and Gary Lewis getting recognized, the school’s commitment to developing well-rounded people is on full display.
These student-athletes didn’t just meet the NFF Hampshire Honor Society’s standards—they blew right past them.
Criteria for the NFF Hampshire Honor Society
Getting into the NFF Hampshire Honor Society isn’t exactly a walk in the park. Here’s what student-athletes have to check off:
- Finished their final year of playing eligibility in Fall 2025
- Kept at least a 3.2 GPA (on a 4.0 scale)
- Met all NCAA/NAIA progress toward degree rules
- Been starters or at least major contributors during the 2025 season
Basically, the bar’s set pretty high—only the most dedicated student-athletes make it in.
Record-Breaking Year for the Hampshire Honor Society
This year, the 2026 NFF Hampshire Honor Society smashed records, with 2,633 players from 369 schools making the list. It’s a big deal, especially as the program hits its 20th anniversary.
It feels like there’s more focus than ever on academics for student-athletes across the country.
Steve Hatchell on Education and Athletics
NFF President & CEO Steve Hatchell didn’t hold back on the importance of education for athletes. He said, We firmly believe that education remains the key to long-term success. These results reaffirm that academics are still top of mind for today’s student-athletes.
It’s hard to argue with that. The NFF and Hampshire Foundation really do put academics front and center for student-athletes.
The Role of The Hampshire Foundation
The Hampshire Foundation, which is the charitable arm of The Hampshire Companies, is a big supporter of the NFF Hampshire Honor Society. Jon F. Hanson founded it—he was NFF Chairman from 1994 to 2006—and the foundation draws from more than 60 years in real estate to help out in all kinds of ways.
They’re based in Morristown, New Jersey. The foundation keeps pushing educational projects forward, doubling down on its support for student-athletes’ growth, both on the field and in the classroom.
Expanding the Reach of the NFF’s National Scholar-Athlete Program
The NFF Hampshire Honor Society is kind of an extension of the National Scholar-Athlete program, but on a much larger scale. More scholar-athletes get recognized now than ever, which keeps the NFF at the forefront when it comes to encouraging academic effort among football players at the 771 colleges and universities with teams.
Franklin & Marshall’s Honorees
Anthony Bonanno, Ty Tremba, and Gary Lewis—seeing their names on the 2026 NFF Hampshire Honor Society list says a lot. It’s a nod to their grit, work ethic, and commitment to getting things done, both on the field and in the classroom.
Anthony Bonanno
Anthony Bonanno’s spot in the Hampshire Honor Society comes down to his relentless drive. Balancing the grind of being a student-athlete isn’t easy, but he’s managed it, and honestly, his academic record is something others can look up to.
Ty Tremba
Ty Tremba’s recognition really highlights how he’s gone all in—whether it’s football or coursework. He’s made a mark at Franklin & Marshall, no question about it.
Gary Lewis
Gary Lewis has shown what steady commitment looks like, in both academics and athletics. His place in the NFF Hampshire Honor Society feels well-earned, and he’s set the bar high for those coming up next.
Conclusion
Anthony Bonanno, Ty Tremba, and Gary Lewis have been named to the 2026 NFF Hampshire Honor Society. That’s a pretty big deal for Franklin & Marshall College.
It shows that the college really does care about helping student-athletes succeed in the classroom and on the field. The NFF and the Hampshire Foundation? They’re still out there, pushing for academics to stay front and center in college sports.
If you want more details about the honorees or the NFF Hampshire Honor Society, check out the official announcement.
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