OU’s Houston nominated for William V. Campbell Trophy
Bryce Houston. (Ohio University photo)
The National Football Foundation (NFF) and College Football Hall of Fame announced 2023 William V. Campbell nominees (Sept. 5). Representing Ohio is graduate student linebacker Bryce Houston.
The William V. Campbell Trophy is college football's premier scholar-athlete award that annually recognizes an individual as the absolute best in the nation for his combined academic success, football performance and exemplary leadership.
Nominees must be either a senior in his final year of playing eligibility or a graduated player enrolled in school at least three years, have a minimum 3.2 undergraduate GPA, be a starter or a significant contributor on the football field and show exemplary leadership on the field, in the classroom and within the community.
Houston (Lewis Center, Ohio) is currently pursuing his MBA after graduating in 2023 with degrees in finance and international business as well as a certificate in sales. He is a three-time Academic All-MAC selection and made the 2022 Academic All-District® football team, as selected by College Sport Communicators.
The linebacker is also a Bob Jones Memorial Scholarship recipient, which is awarded to one male and one female student athlete who achieved a minimum grade point average of 3.50 and have displayed good character, leadership and citizenship.
Houston marks the first Ohio football student-athlete to receive this award as well as the first Bobcat to be recognized with the Bob James award since 1994.
Additionally, Houston is a student leader for the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee for Ohio University Athletics, working to promote inclusivity and equity within our athletic community. He's also member of the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC), where he has opportunity to represent the interests and concerns of Ohio student-athlete population.
On the field, Houston has been named a captain in three consecutive seasons. In 2022, he started in all 14 games for the Bobcats during, recording 76 tackles and led the team with 5.5 sacks. Houston also had two fumble recoveries, highlighted by a 42-yard fumble recovery for a touchdown to extend Ohio's lead over Fordham (Sept. 24).
So far this season, the linebacker is leading the defense with 24 tackles, 11 of which were solo stops. He also has 3.5 tackles for loss, one sack, one interception and one quarterback hurry.