Hobart senior running back E.J. Taylor is one of 206 semifinalists for the 2026 William V. Campbell Trophy, college football's premier scholar-athlete award. One of the top running backs in Division III, Taylor is an economics major, a two-time Liberty League All-Academic selection, and a 2025 Academic All-District honoree.
 
The award recognizes an individual as the absolute best in the country for his combined academic success, football performance and exemplary leadership. The candidates also comprise the pool of nominees for the 2026 NFF National Scholar-Athlete Awards Presented by Fidelity Investments.
 
"It's great to see E.J. being recognized as a semifinalist for the Campbell Trophy as one of the top student-athletes in the country playing college football," said Hobart Head Coach Kevin DeWall '00. "He exemplifies the hard work and preparation it takes to be a strong student and successful athlete at a high academic institution. When you look at his combined achievements in the classroom as a student, on the field as an athlete, and then the leadership role with our team, E.J. has continued to serve as a positive influence and made a lasting impact on his teammates and the greater campus community. We love it when our top players and top performers are also our best students and leaders."
 
A team captain this season, Taylor has rushed for over 1,000 yards in each of the past two seasons. He is sixth on Hobart's career rushing yards list with 3,209. Taylor is also sixth in career rushing touchdowns with 36. He's averaging 5.8 yards per carry and 89.1 yards per game across 36 career games. Taylor has 16 career 100-yard rushing games, seven shy of the Hobart record.
 
A dual threat, Taylor also has 45 receptions for 470 yards and six touchdowns. His 45 total career TDs are fifth on Hobart's all-time list.
 
Through three games this season, Taylor has rushed for 326 yards and three touchdowns and has eight receptions for 164 yards and two TDs. He also has two two-point conversions.
 
Taylor ranks among the national leaders in points (#18, 34 pts), total touchdowns (#18, 5), all purpose yards per game (#21, 163.33), rushing yards (#24, 326), rushing yards per game (#31, 108.7) and points per game (#36, 11.3).
 
Taylor is the 10th Statesman to be a semifinalist for the Campbell Trophy since 2009, joining Brian Monaco (2009), Michael Green (2013), Troy Robinson (2014), Kai Brandford (2018), Collin Hudgins (2019), Kyle Hackett (2020), Cade Frucci (2022), Abdoulaye Diallo (2023) and Ethan Kowalski (2024).
 
To be nominated for the Campbell Trophy, student-athletes must be a senior or graduate student in their final year of eligibility, have a minimum cumulative GPA of 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. Nominations are open to all levels of play in the NCAA and the NAIA.