HILLSDALE – Whiteford graduate Shea Ruddy is the second player in Hillsdale College history to be nominated for the William V. Campbell Trophy.
He is one of 18 nominees from all divisions for the award, known as the academic Heisman.
"The Campbell Trophy represents everything right in college football," said National Football Foundation Chairman Archie Manning, whose sons Peyton and Eli were NFF National Scholar-Athletes in 1997 and 2003, respectively. "These 18 finalists have competed at an extraordinary level while embracing the demands of the classroom and making a meaningful difference in their communities. They understand that success is about more than what happens on Saturdays, and we are proud to recognize them as examples of the character, discipline and leadership that make college football so special."
The senior wide receiver was named an All-American and an Academic All-American in 2024 and 2025.
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Ruddy has been one of the best in the nation on kickoffs for the last three seasons. In 2025, he led all NCAA divisions with 960 kickoff return yards and tied for the national lead with three kickoff return touchdowns. He's continued to excel in 2026, with a NCAA DII leading 41.2 yards per return average and two more kickoff return scores on just nine returns.
He is both the Hillsdale and G-MAC record holder for career kickoff return yards (2,063) and touchdowns (7), and at 34.4 yards per return for his career, is on pace to set a new NCAA DII record in that statistic.
Riddy led Hillsdale in receiving yards and receiving touchdowns each of the past three seasons, and he currently leads the G-MAC with 524 receiving yards and 8 total touchdowns.
Ruddy was the only player in NCAA football in 2025 to record a passing, rushing, receiving and kick return touchdown in the same season.
The team captain also has excelled in the classroom, carrying a 3.72 GPA in biochemistry while being on track to graduate in May 2027 with the intention of pursuing a career in medicine.
"Shea's the real deal as a player and a person," Hillsdale coach Nate Shreffler said. "Everything he does, whether it's on the field, in the classroom, or out in the world, he does to the best of his ability and with everything he's got. "As great as he's been for us as a player, he's an even better person and a great representative of what it means to be committed to excellence in every aspect of your life. He deserves this award and I'm thrilled to see him get the chance to be on this stage."
The winner will be announced on Dec. 8 in Las Vegas.
PREP FOOTBALL
Derian leads Ida honorees
BLISSFIELD – Ida’s Carter Derian earned spots on the All-Lenawee County Athletic Association football team on both offense and defense.
The 6-0, 230-pound senior made the squad selected by league coaches as an offensive lineman and defensive end.
Joining him on the first team were teammates Grant Pfeiffer (running back), Alex Abram (offensive line) and Nick Miller (defensive back).
Second teamers for the Blue Streaks were Justin Crozier, Ethan Stotz and Chris Fritz on offense and Kade Uhl, Ryan Ashcraft and Ben Noland on defense.
Levi Evans and Brayden of Dundee received honorable mention.
Hudson and Clinton shared the league championship with Ida and Adrian Madison a game behind.
PREP SOCCER
Ida falls in finals
GROSSE ILE – Ida put up a great battle, but could not put the ball in the net in the finals of the Division 3 District at Grosse Ile.
The Blue Streaks fell 2-0 to the host team.
Ida crafted a 15-4-2 record and won its fifth straight Lenawee County Athletic Association championship despite losing nine seniors to graduation.
This article originally appeared on The Monroe News: Whiteford grad Shea Ruddy is a finalist for William A. Campbell trophy