IRVING, Texas –  University of Maryland quarterback Taulia Tagovailoa has been selected as a finalist for the 2023 William V. Campbell Trophy®, given annually to the premier scholar-athlete that is the absolute best in the nation for his combined academic success, football performance and exemplary leadership. 
 
Tagovailoa is one of just 16 finalists that were selected from a record number of 201 semifinalists nationwide from among all NCAA divisions and the NAIA. He is just the second NFF National Scholar-Athlete in Maryland's history and the first since Jonathan Claiborne in 1977. Tagovailoa is also one of only three Big Ten players up for the award (Olu Fashanu, Penn State & Zak Zinter, Michigan).
 
The record-setting quarterback has helped transcend Maryland football over his four year career as a Terp where he holds every career and single-season passing record, all while excelling in the classroom with a 3.61 GPA. 
 
A 2021 CSC Academic All-District pick and a 2022 Academic All-Big Ten selection, Tagovailoa graduated last December, earning a degree in Family Science. He is currently working towards his master's degree in African American studies.
 
Tagovailoa has also shown exemplary leadership and eagerness to make a positive impact in the community. He was voted by his teammates as one of the team captains at the conclusion of both the 2021 and 2022 seasons. Tagovailoa has also participated in dozens of community service events in the DMV area, including reading to children at local elementary schools and packaging food for the needy at food shelters. 
 
On the field, Tagovailoa has led Maryland to back-to-back bowl wins in 2021 & 2022, marking the first consecutive postseason wins for the program in 20 years. He is also a three-time All-Big Ten pick and a two-time Polynesian College Football Player of the Year finalist.
 
The redshirt senior has set Maryland career records for passing yards (9,805), passing touchdowns (67), total touchdowns (79), completions (824), completion percentage (66.7), 300-yard passing games (14), passing efficiency (146.4) and total offense (10,076). This season, he stands top-two in the Big Ten and top-25 in the FBS in passing yards (1,926), passing TDs (16) and points responsible for (122). He leads the Big Ten and is top-30 in the FBS in total offense (287.0 per game) as well.
 
Tagovailoa currently stands fifth all-time in Big Ten history in completion percentage (66.7), eighth in passing yards (9,805) and 12th in passing touchdowns (67). 
 
The finalists will travel to the ARIA Resort & Casino in Las Vegas for the 65th NFF Annual Awards Dinner Presented by Las Vegas on December 5, where their accomplishments will be highlighted in front of one of the most powerful audiences in all of sports.
 
Live during the event, one member of the class will be declared as the winner of the 34th Campbell Trophy® and have his postgraduate scholarship increased to $25,000.  Click here for more information on the Awards Dinner, including options to purchase tickets online, special travel rates to the event from Delta Air Lines and room rates at the ARIA.
 
"We are extremely proud to announce the finalists for this year's Campbell Trophy®," said NFF Chairman Archie Manning, whose sons Peyton (Campbell Trophy® recipient) and Eli were NFF National Scholar-Athletes in 1997 and 2003, respectively. "These young men have an unrelenting commitment to excellence in all aspects of their lives, and they represent all that is right in college football. As strong leaders in the vein of the trophy's namesake Bill Campbell, they all serve as living examples that the 'Future For Football' is bright. We are excited to honor their hard work and outstanding leadership with postgraduate scholarships."
 
Submitted by their schools, which are limited to one nominee each, candidates for the Campbell Trophy® must be either a senior player who will complete his final year of eligibility during the 2023 season or be a graduated player who has been enrolled in school at least three (3) years (even if he has remaining eligibility); must have minimum cumulative GPA of 3.2 on a 4.0 scale; must have outstanding football ability as a starter/significant contributor; and must have exhibited exemplary leadership on the field, in the classroom and within the community.
 
"The NFF Awards Committee did an excellent job in selecting this year's National Scholar- Athletes," said NFF President & CEO Steve Hatchell. "Chosen from a record-breaking number of semifinalists, the finalists have undoubtedly distinguished themselves as some of the best student-athletes in the country. Each of these men is a leader on and off the field, and we know that they have only begun to reach their potential."