University of North Carolina Athletics
Hardy Named To NFF Hampshire Honor Society
April 8, 2026 | Football, Academics
North Carolina defensive back Will Hardy has been named to the National Football Foundation (NFF) Hampshire Honor Society, the organization announced Wednesday.
To be eligible for the honor society, a student-athlete must be a senior player, who will graduate this spring/summer, and just completed his final year of playing eligibility in 2025 or be a graduated player that competed during the most recent season. Additionally, the student-athlete must have a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.2 and be a starter or regular contributor.
Hardy played in 51 career games during his time in Chapel Hill, starting 16 games including all 12 last season. He served as one of the team captains and finished third on the team in tackles with 53.
The Lawrenceville, Georgia, native was a three-time All-ACC Academic Team Selection and three-time ACC Academic Honor Roll recipient. He graduated in May 2025 with a degree in business administration.
Hardy was named to the Jason Witten Collegiate Man of the Year and Allstate Wuerffel Trophy Watch Lists, in addition to being a semifinalist for the Campbell Trophy.
Celebrating its 20th anniversary, the NFF Hampshire Honor Society has recognized 23,568 student-athletes from 691 schools since 2007. The 2026 class, which includes a record 2,596 players from 365 schools, represents the largest group in the program's history and underscores the sustained academic achievement taking place across all levels of college football.
To be eligible for the honor society, a student-athlete must be a senior player, who will graduate this spring/summer, and just completed his final year of playing eligibility in 2025 or be a graduated player that competed during the most recent season. Additionally, the student-athlete must have a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.2 and be a starter or regular contributor.
Hardy played in 51 career games during his time in Chapel Hill, starting 16 games including all 12 last season. He served as one of the team captains and finished third on the team in tackles with 53.
The Lawrenceville, Georgia, native was a three-time All-ACC Academic Team Selection and three-time ACC Academic Honor Roll recipient. He graduated in May 2025 with a degree in business administration.
Hardy was named to the Jason Witten Collegiate Man of the Year and Allstate Wuerffel Trophy Watch Lists, in addition to being a semifinalist for the Campbell Trophy.
Celebrating its 20th anniversary, the NFF Hampshire Honor Society has recognized 23,568 student-athletes from 691 schools since 2007. The 2026 class, which includes a record 2,596 players from 365 schools, represents the largest group in the program's history and underscores the sustained academic achievement taking place across all levels of college football.
Players Mentioned
Defensive Back
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