East Michigan News

Eastern Michigan University stands out in the Mid-American Conference with 12 football players named to the 2025 National Football Foundation (NFF) Hampshire Honor Society. This recognition is awarded to college football players across all divisions who maintained a cumulative GPA of 3.2 or higher during their college careers, while also serving as starters or key contributors on their teams.

This achievement marks the seventh time in eight years that Eastern Michigan University (EMU) has had at least five honorees, and it is the largest group from EMU in a single year. The 12 players honored include Jefferson Adam, Blake Bustard, Blake Daniels, Jere Getzinger, Donovan Green, Hans Lillis, Luke Murphy, Kendric Nowling, Broderick Roman, Quentavius Scandrett, Cole Snyder, and Joey Zelinsky.

EMU ranks second in the Mid-American Conference with its 12 honorees, trailing only Northern Illinois University, which has 14. Nationwide, EMU is among 22 Football Bowl Subdivision programs with 10 or more players recognized this year.

A record 2,532 student-athletes from 339 schools were inducted into the NFF Hampshire Honor Society in 2025, the largest class in its 19-year history. Since launching in 2007, the society has acknowledged over 20,000 players for their academic excellence.

Jon F. Hanson funded the establishment of the NFF Hampshire Honor Society in 2007, stepping forward as part of his legacy after serving as NFF Chairman from 1994 to 2006. Hanson, now chairman emeritus, expressed satisfaction with the program's growth: "When we launched the NFF Hampshire Honor Society in 2007, our goal was to shine a brighter light on the thousands of college football players achieving greatness in the classroom. To now see more than 20,000 honorees and a record-setting class in 2025 is incredibly rewarding. These young men represent the next generation of leaders, and I'm proud that the Society continues to celebrate their success both on and off the field."

NFF Chairman Archie Manning commented on the achievements of this year's class: "This year's record-setting class reminds us just how many outstanding young men are using college football as a platform to launch successful futures. The Hampshire Honor Society continues to celebrate those who lead by example—excelling academically, athletically, and as people of character. We're proud to honor them and deeply grateful to Jon Hanson for making this inspiring tradition possible."

The Hampshire Honor Society plays a significant role in promoting the scholar-athlete ideal, a mission the organization has championed since 1959 through the NFF National Scholar-Athlete Awards.