Will Hardy has been named a semifinalist for the William V. Campbell Trophy

The senior defensive back takes the next step toward potentially earning one of college football's most honorable accolades.
2025 ACC Football Kickoff
2025 ACC Football Kickoff | Matt Kelley/GettyImages

The William V. Campbell Trophy is considered to be college football's premier scholar-athlete award. Now in its 36th season, this award recognizes an individual as the nation's absolute best football scholar-athlete for their combined academic success, football performance, and exemplary leadership.

Among the 177 semifinalists, the UNC football program is proudly represented by senior defensive back Will Hardy.

Hardy has been an outstanding leader for the UNC football program during his time in Chapel Hill. He has served as the program's representative in the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) while also volunteering with Team Impact and Habitat for Humanity, just a few of the ways he has gotten involved as a Tar Heel.

Doing a great job of balancing life as a student-athlete, Hardy is a guy who gets the job done both on and off the field. On the gridiron, the Lawrenceville, Georgia native appeared in all 13 games last season, recording 34 tackles (17 solo) to go along with an interception. Through four games this season, Hardy has recorded 15 tackles (10 solo), playing a key role for the Bill Belichick-led Tar Heels on defense and special teams.

Hardy is a tremendous asset for the University of North Carolina both on and off the field, as his presence has made a significant impact throughout his time in Chapel Hill.

You can read more about the semifinalists for the 2025 William V. Campbell Trophy here.

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