Nick Rinaldi up for William V. Campbell Trophy
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Vanderbilt’s Nick Rinaldi has been selected as a semifinalist for the 2026 William V. Campbell Trophy® it announced by the National Football Foundation & College Hall of Fame Wednesday.
Each nominee must be competing in the 2026 season as a senior in his final year of eligibility or a graduate student/graduate transfer who has already earned a degree; have a cumulative undergraduate GPA of at least 3.2 on a 4.0 scale; have outstanding football ability as a first-team player or significant contributor; and have demonstrated strong leadership and citizenship. The candidates come from all levels of play in the NCAA and the NAIA.
Rinaldi, serving as a team captain this season, has the second-most tackles on the Commodore defense with 18 with 4½ for a loss of 25 yards. Out of Dover, Massachusetts, Rinaldi has a team-leading 3½ sacks this season with at least a half in each of Vandy’s three wins, while adding four breakups and three quarterback hits, both totals also best on the unit.
In addition to his play on the field, Rinaldi is making an impact in the community by partnering with the Tennessee Special Olympics and hosting an athlete every Friday during home weeks. The athlete attends The Dores’ walk through and then gets to walk with Rinaldi during the team’s entrance to the game on Saturdays before providing tickets to watch the black and gold.
The 2026 NFF National Scholar-Athlete Class Presented by Fidelity Investments will be honored during the 68th NFF Annual Awards Dinner Presented by Las Vegas on Dec. 8 at the Bellagio Resort & Casino in Las Vegas.
Rinaldi and the Commodores open SEC play on Saturday, visiting Auburn. Kickoff is set for 3:15 p.m. and can be seen on SEC Network.
