WVU P Oliver Straw Recognized as Semifinalist for Major Trophy

West Virginia punter Oliver Straw is being recognized nationally for his work on and off the field.

The National Football Foundation (NFF) and the College Football Hall of Fame have made Straw a semifinalist for the 2025 William V. Campbell Trophy.

The National Football Foundation (@NFFNetwork) and the College Football Hall of Fame announced West Virginia punter Oliver Straw as a semifinalist for the 2025 William V. Campbell Trophy.

— Mike J. Asti (@MikeAsti11) September 24, 2025

Dubbed the academic heisman, the Campbell Trophy is college football’s premier scholar-athlete award and recognizes combined academic success, football performance and exemplary leadership.

Spanning all NCAA divisions and the NAIA, the candidates hold an impressive 3.60 average GPA, while more than half of the semifinalists have already earned their bachelor’s degrees.

As far as Straw’s 2025 season to date, he has 25 punts through four games for an average of 42.6 yards per kick. He has two games with eight punts so far – at Ohio and at Kansas.

WVSN photo by Kelsie LeRose

“We are honored to celebrate such an extraordinary group of student-athletes as semifinalists for the Campbell Trophy®,” said NFF President and CEO Steve Hatchell. “Their accomplishments reflect the lasting impact of our game — building character, discipline, and leadership, extending far beyond football.”

Finalists, to be announced in a month, will travel to the Bellagio Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas for the 67th NFF Annual Awards Dinner where their accomplishments will be highlighted in front of one of the most powerful audiences in sports. At the event, one winner will be announced as the 36th recipient of the Campbell Trophy.

Find more coverage of WVU punter Oliver Straw at WV Sports Now.