University of North Carolina Athletics
Kelly Named Campbell Trophy Semifinalist
September 23, 2026 | Football
CHAPEL HILL, N.C. - North Carolina center Christo Kelly has been named a semifinalist for the 2026 William V. Campbell Trophy, the National Football Foundation (NFF) and College Hall of Fame announced Wednesday.
Celebrating its 37th year, the Campbell Trophy® recognizes the nation's top football scholar-athlete for his combined academic success, football performance, and exemplary leadership.
Collectively, the Campbell Trophy® selected a record 206 semifinalists. This year, the semifinalists average a 3.64 GPA and include 130 team captains, 24 All-Americans and 98 players who have already earned their undergraduate degrees.
Kelly earned his undergraduate degree in economics from Holy Cross in 2024 with a 3.6 grade point average and is pursuing a Master of Business Administration at Carolina. Since transferring to North Carolina, Kelly has established himself as a leader within the program, being tabbed a team captain in both 2025 and 2026.
Last season, Kelly opened the season as the Tar Heels' starting center before suffering an injury and missing most of the season. Prior to arriving in Chapel Hill, Kelly played at Holy Cross, where he started 23 games during his career. In 2024, he started all 12 games at center while earning First Team All-Patriot League and Academic All-Patriot League honors. He was also one of 22 student-athletes across college football selected to the 2024 AFCA Allstate Good Works Team. Kelly previously earned Academic All-District honors in 2023 and was a four-time Patriot League Academic Honor Roll selection.
Off the field, Kelly serves as president of UNC's Uplifting Athletes chapter, which was recognized with the Game Changers Award in 2025 for funds raised in support of rare diseases during the program's Lift for Life event. He has participated in numerous community service initiatives, including visits to UNC Children's Hospital, Habitat for Humanity, TABLE, SECU House, and local elementary schools.
The NFF will announce 12 to 16 finalists on Oct. 21, and each finalist will receive an $18,000 postgraduate scholarship as a member of the 2026 NFF National Scholar-Athlete Class Presented by Fidelity Investments. The finalists will travel to the Bellagio Resort & Casino in Las Vegas for the 68th NFF Annual Awards Dinner Presented by Las Vegas on Dec. 8, where their accomplishments will be highlighted in front of one of the most powerful audiences in all of sports. During the event, one member of the class will be declared the winner of the 37th Campbell Trophy® and will have his postgraduate scholarship increased to $25,000.
