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Buckeyes center Seth McLaughlin named finalist for William V. Campbell Trophy

Spencer-Holbrookby:Spencer Holbrook•10/23/24•

SpencerHolbrook

Seth McLaughlin by Matt Parker -- Lettermen Row --
(Matt Parker/Lettermen Row)

COLUMBUS — Ohio State star center Seth McLaughlin has been among the best at his position in college football through the first half of the year.

But that’s not all the Alabama transfer can do. He’s also an elite student in the classroom.

McLaughlin has been named a finalist for the 2024 William V. Campbell Trophy, the nation’s premier scholar-athlete award. The award finalists were announced by the National Football Foundation (NFF) and the College Hall of Fame. This award “annually recognizes the nation’s best football scholar-athlete — all divisions and the NAIA — based on combined academic success, football performance and exemplary leadership,” according to a release.

Here’s more about the significance of McLaughlin being named a finalist for the award from the release from the Ohio State Athletic Department:

McLaughlin and the 15 other finalists will each receive an $18,000 postgraduate scholarship as a member of the 2024 NFF National Scholar-Athlete Class, presented by Fidelity Investments, and they will travel to Las Vegas for the 66th NFF Annual Awards Dinner on Tuesday, Dec. 10 at the Bellagio Hotel & Casino. One member of the class will be selected the winner of the 35th William V. Campbell Trophy and have his postgraduate scholarship increased to $25,000. 

Ohio State athletic department release

McLaughlin is the 23rd NFF National Scholar-Athlete from Ohio State. Ohio State and this week’s opponent, Nebraska, are tied for the most NFF National Scholar-Athletes.

The Buford, Georgia, native started 25 games for Alabama before transferring to Ohio State this offseason. He has started every game for the Buckeyes at center.

McLaughlin was named a first-team midseason All-American selection from The Athletic, the Associated Press and CBS Sports. He has posted a 75.0 ProFootball Focus grade for his performance this season. His run-blocking grade (73.1) and his pass-blocking grade (74.9) are nearly identical in the six games Ohio State has played so far.

The full list of Buckeyes to be named an NFF National Scholar-Athlete is below.

C Seth McLaughlin (2024)
DB Jordan Fuller (2019)
OL Jacoby Boren (2015)
WR Brian Robiskie (2008)
QB Craig Krenzel (2003)
CB Ahmed Plummer (1999)
QB Greg Bellisari (1996)
QB Bobby Hoying (1995)
WR Joey Galloway (1994)
DL Greg Smith (1992)
QB Greg Frey (1990)
OL Joe Staysniak (1989)
WR Mike Lanese (1985)
DT Dave Crecelius (1984)
TE John Frank (1983)
OT Joe Smith (1982)
LB Jim Laughlin (1979)
WR Brian Baschnagel (1975)
OL Randy Gradishar (1973)
QB Rex Kern (1970)
O David Foley (1968)
HB Willard Sander (1965)
DB Arnold Chonko (1964)

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