University Southern California Trojans
Photo by: John McGillen
USC Defensive End Braylan Shelby Named Semifinalist for NFF Campbell Trophy
September 23, 2026 | Football
LOS ANGELES—USC defensive end Braylan Shelby has been named a semifinalist for the 2026 William V. Campbell Trophy, announced today (Sept. 23) by the National Football Foundation & College Hall of Fame.
Celebrating its 37th year, the Campbell Trophy recognizes an individual as the absolute best football scholar-athlete in the nation for his combined academic success, football performance and exemplary leadership.
Shelby's star shines both on and off the field.Â
He is majoring in Business Administration at USC and will graduate in the fall of 2026 with future aspirations to earn his MBA. He was named a 2026 Stevens Scholar for earning a cumulative undergraduate GPA of 3.5 or higher. He was also named a 2026 David X. Marks Scholar for having an overall GPA of 3.0 or better. Shelby earned the 2025-26 Chi Alpha Sigma Honor Award which recognizes student-athletes who achieve junior academic standing or higher after their fourth full-time semester and earn a 3.5 or higher cumulative GPA. Additionally, he earned placement on the 2025 College Sports Communicators Academic All-District Team. Shelby was named to the 2024 and 2025 Big Ten Fall All-Academic Teams and has earned placement on the Dean's List each semester at USC.
On the field, Shelby is a veteran presence on the defensive line. Through his four-year career, Shelby has recorded 77 tackles, including 16 for loss of 67 yards (with 9.5 sacks for minus 44 yards), 4 QB hurries, 1 INT, 1 PBU and 1 forced fumble while appearing in 39 games with 9 starts.
Prior to the season, Shelby was selected to speak at the formal opening of the Bloom Football Performance Center alongside USC Athletic Director Jen Cohen and Head Coach Lincoln Riley. Shelby also introduced USC President Beong-Soo Kim.Â
Shelby dedicates his time to a variety of philanthropic endeavors, including Angel City Sports, the Dream Center and the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank. He also leads service projects of his own, from personally delivering meals to individuals experiencing homelessness in Houston to coaching youth basketball. Through his continued involvement with organizations serving a wide range of needs across Los Angeles and his hometown in Houston, Shelby has demonstrated a genuine and sustained commitment to uplifting others. He consistently gives his time with enthusiasm and compassion, using his platform as a student-athlete to make a meaningful difference in his community.
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Celebrating its 37th year, the Campbell Trophy recognizes an individual as the absolute best football scholar-athlete in the nation for his combined academic success, football performance and exemplary leadership.
Shelby's star shines both on and off the field.Â
He is majoring in Business Administration at USC and will graduate in the fall of 2026 with future aspirations to earn his MBA. He was named a 2026 Stevens Scholar for earning a cumulative undergraduate GPA of 3.5 or higher. He was also named a 2026 David X. Marks Scholar for having an overall GPA of 3.0 or better. Shelby earned the 2025-26 Chi Alpha Sigma Honor Award which recognizes student-athletes who achieve junior academic standing or higher after their fourth full-time semester and earn a 3.5 or higher cumulative GPA. Additionally, he earned placement on the 2025 College Sports Communicators Academic All-District Team. Shelby was named to the 2024 and 2025 Big Ten Fall All-Academic Teams and has earned placement on the Dean's List each semester at USC.
On the field, Shelby is a veteran presence on the defensive line. Through his four-year career, Shelby has recorded 77 tackles, including 16 for loss of 67 yards (with 9.5 sacks for minus 44 yards), 4 QB hurries, 1 INT, 1 PBU and 1 forced fumble while appearing in 39 games with 9 starts.
Prior to the season, Shelby was selected to speak at the formal opening of the Bloom Football Performance Center alongside USC Athletic Director Jen Cohen and Head Coach Lincoln Riley. Shelby also introduced USC President Beong-Soo Kim.Â
Shelby dedicates his time to a variety of philanthropic endeavors, including Angel City Sports, the Dream Center and the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank. He also leads service projects of his own, from personally delivering meals to individuals experiencing homelessness in Houston to coaching youth basketball. Through his continued involvement with organizations serving a wide range of needs across Los Angeles and his hometown in Houston, Shelby has demonstrated a genuine and sustained commitment to uplifting others. He consistently gives his time with enthusiasm and compassion, using his platform as a student-athlete to make a meaningful difference in his community.
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Players Mentioned
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