HAMMOND, La. – Southeastern Louisiana University senior offensive lineman Holden Kareokowsky is among the 178 semifinalists across all divisions of college football to be named a semifinalist for the 2025 William V. Campbell Trophy, college football's premier scholar-athlete award, the National Football Foundation (NFF) and College Hall of Fame announced Wednesday.
 
Celebrating its 36^th 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.
 
Kareokowsky, who is in his fifth year with the program, is an engineering major with a 3.724 cumulative grade point average. The New Orleans native took over as the starting center for the Lions in 2024, earning Southland Conference All-Academic honors. Kareokowsky has also been named to the Southland Conference Commissioner's Academic Honor Roll four times.
 
"Holden came here as a walk-on and just wanted an opportunity," Southeastern head football coach Frank Scelfo said. "He's taking advantage of the opportunity to be exposed to a college football program. Through hard work, he's positioned himself to be not only one of the best offensive lineman in the Southland Conference, but all of FCS in 2025. His speed and athleticism, combined with his football IQ, dedication to academics, work ethic and leadership, has made him the perfect teammate and team leader."
 
Kareokowsky is one of 44 nominees from FCS on the list. He is one of three SLC representatives along with Robert Coleman of Lamar and SFA's Ky Thomas.
 
"This year's 178 semifinalists represent the very best of what it means to play college football," said NFF Chairman Archie Manning. "They have excelled in the classroom, distinguished themselves on the field, and proven to be leaders in their communities. The Campbell Trophy® stands as a reminder that football develops complete individuals, and these young men embody that tradition at the highest level."
 
The NFF will announce 12-16 finalists on Oct. 22, and each of them will receive an $18,000 postgraduate scholarship as a member of the 2025 NFF National Scholar-Athlete Class Presented by Fidelity Investments. The finalists will travel to the Bellagio Resort & Casino in Las Vegas for the 67th NFF Annual Awards Dinner Presented by Las Vegas on Dec. 9, where their accomplishments will be highlighted in front of one of the most powerful audiences in all of sports. Live during the event, one member of the class will be declared as the winner of the 36th Campbell Trophy® and have his postgraduate scholarship increased to $25,000. Click here for more information on the Awards Dinner, including options to purchase tickets online, special travel rates to the event from Delta Air Lines and room rates at the Bellagio.
 
Nominated by their schools, which are limited to one nominee each, candidates for the awards must be a senior who will complete his final year of eligibility in the 2025 season or a graduate student or graduate transfer who has already earned a degree and is participating in the 2025 season; have a GPA of at least 3.2 on a 4.0 scale; have outstanding football ability as a first team player or significant contributor; and have demonstrated strong leadership and citizenship. The class is selected each year by the NFF Awards Committee, which is comprised of a nationally recognized group of media, NFF College Football Hall of Famers and athletics administrators.
 
Kareokowsky and the Lions will host UTRGV in the Southland Conference opener Saturday at 6 p.m. in Strawberry Stadium. The game versus the Vaqueros will be televised on ESPN+ and can be heard on the Southeastern Sports Radio Network (Kajun 107.1 FM, The Highway 104.7 FM, The Boss 103.7 FM/WFPR 1400 AM). Saturday's contest is sponsored by Champagne Beverage and part of Solid Gold Saturday, as fans are encouraged to wear gold.
 
TICKETS
For ticket information, contact the Southeastern Athletics Ticket Office at (985) 549-5466 or visit www.LionSports.net. Southeastern will continue offering mobile ticketing as the primary source for securing tickets. All tickets will be available via e-mail or text message in a PDF format for fans to download on their phone or print at home. Tickets can also be downloaded to Apple Wallet.
 
SOCIAL MEDIA
For more information on Southeastern Football, follow @LionUpFootball and @Coach_Scelfo on X, like /SLUathletics on Facebook and follow @lionupfootball on Instagram.
 
TOUCHDOWN CLUB/S CLUB
Fans interested in becoming active supporters of the football program are encouraged to join the Touchdown Club. Lion football alums are encouraged to join the exclusive S Club, which is restricted to Southeastern athletic letter winners.
 
All membership fees and donations to both the Touchdown Club and S Club (football) are available for the exclusive use of the Southeastern football program. Membership information is available by contacting the Lion Athletics Association at laa@southeastern.edu or (985) 549-5091 or visiting www.LionUp.com.
 
CLEAR BAG POLICY
Southeastern Athletics observes a clear bag policy for all ticketed events. For more information on the clear bag policy, visit www.LionSports.net/clear.