SOUTH BEND, Ind. – Senior safety Luke Talich has been named a semifinalist for the 2026 National Football Foundation’s William V. Campbell Trophy, college football’s premier scholar-athlete award that annually recognizes an individual for his combined academic success, football performance and exemplary leadership.
Notre Dame’s Aamil Wagner was a semifinalist for the Campbell Trophy in 2025, while Jack Kiser (2024) and JD Bertrand (2023) were finalists in the two years prior.
After beginning his career as a walk-on, Talich earned his first career starts in the previous two games. Against Michigan State, Talich recorded his first career sack and fifth career interception, becoming the first Irish defensive back since Matthias Farley in 2014 to register a sack and an interception in the same game.
Through the first portion of the 2026 season, Notre Dame’s defense is allowing just 193 yards per game, third-best in the FBS. The Irish are also tied for fourth nationally in scoring defense, allowing just 7.7 points per game. The three teams ahead of Notre Dame — Iowa, Indiana and Penn State — have each faced fewer than two Power Four opponents.
Talich, who is majoring in psychology with a minor in real estate at Notre Dame, has led the Luke Talich Youth Football Camp in his hometown of Cody, Wyoming, for the past two years. The camp serves local youth from first through eighth grade, and during its inaugural year in 2025, raised more than $18,000 for youth sports.
Additionally, Talich also serves as an autism practicum volunteer, providing hands-on support to individuals with autism through educational, social and developmental activities.
During the summer of 2026, Talich spent a study abroad trip in South Africa, where he was provided an opportunity to connect with members of the community while gaining a deeper understanding of their experiences, resilience and hopes for the future. It also challenged Talich to reflect on his own
privilege and consider how service should center on respect, empathy and genuine human connection.
The NFF National Scholar-Athlete Awards began in 1959, with Fidelity Investments joining as the presenting sponsor in 2011. This is the 37th year of the Campbell Trophy®, which was added to the program in 1990. The NFF will announce 12-16 finalists on Oct. 21, and each finalist will receive an $18,000 postgraduate scholarship as a member of the 2026 NFF National Scholar-Athlete Class Presented by Fidelity Investments. One of the finalists will be named the winner of the 37th Campbell Trophy® during the 68th NFF Annual Awards Dinner Presented by Las Vegas on Dec. 8 and have his postgraduate scholarship increased to $25,000.
An exemplary scholar, athlete and leader 👏
— Notre Dame Football (@NDFootball) September 23, 2026
Luke Talich is a William V. Campbell Trophy Semifinalist!#GoIrish☘️ pic.twitter.com/wyvJdKxI5k