Contact: Nicholas Osterloo, Director of Athletics Communication, 630-637-5324

NFF Press Release

Sept. 23, 2026 - North Central College senior and offensive lineman, Cortez Jones, has been named a semifinalist for the National Football Foundation's Campbell Trophy Award, which recognizes an individual as the absolute best football scholar-athlete in the nation for his combined academic success, football performance and exemplary leadership.

Jones is part of the 206 semifinalists for the honor, is one of 44 NCAA Division III selections, and one of just 24 named an All-American.

"Cortez has been a leader on and off the field for the Cardinals since he arrived in the fall of 2023," head coach Brad Spencer said. "He immediately had a positive influence on his teammates, both of his class as well as older and younger. It's no surprise to me that he was named a captain by his teammates this season. He has consistently displayed humility and selflessness during his four years at North Central. Perhaps most evident by switching positions his junior year to help bolster a young offensive line. He would go on to become an All-American last year on offense, after being named preseason All-American as a defensive lineman. I seriously doubt many football players could claim that honor. Although a fierce player on the field, he constantly shows his kind heart to teammates, coaches and fans. Our mission at North Central football is to develop all-American husbands, fathers, and teammates on and off the field. He is genuinely one of them."

Last season, Jones was named an Associated Press First Team All-American and D3football.com Second Team All-American. Amongst conference schools, Jones was selected as the College Conference of Illinois & Wisconsin's Offensive Line Student-Athlete of the Year. He played and started in all 15 games for the Cardinals, and blocked for one of the top scoring offenses in Division III football.

Jones joins current Cardinal assistant coach and former offensive lineman Jarod Thornton and two-time Gagliardi winner Luke Lehnen as Campbell Trophy semifinalists in school history.
North Central returns home Oct. 3 following a bye week, as they host Augustana College for a 1 p.m. kickoff at Benedetti-Wehrli Stadium.