IRVING, Texas – On Wednesday, the National Football Foundation (NFF) announced a record 2596 student-athletes joining the Hampshire Honor Society in the Class of 2026. Ohio Wesleyan University saw five student-athletes selected to the class: seniors Abram Beer, Devon Haley, Bryan Hines Jr., Josh Hurst, and Chanden Lee.

Beer, Haley, Hines Jr., Hurst, and Lee are the latest of 56 Battling Bishops who have earned membership in the NFF Hampshire Honor Society.

Founded in 2007 and celebrating its 20th anniversary this year, the NFF Hampshire Honor Society recognizes academic excellence across all divisions in the form of football players who have maintained a cumulative grade point average of at least 3.20 throughout their careers.

"Twenty years ago, college coaches around the country came to the National Football Foundation asking us to recognize not just their top student-athlete, but the numerous student-athletes on their teams who were also excelling at the highest levels in the classroom," said NFF President & CEO Steve Hatchell. "Their voices led to the creation of the NFF Hampshire Honor Society, and two decades later, the results speak for themselves. Year after year, we continue to see remarkable academic achievements across college football."

"To see this program reach 20 years with a record number of honorees is really special," said NFF Chairman Archie Manning. "As the world of college football faces an era of transition, one thing remains the same: the game's ability to develop well-rounded student-athletes committed to excellence in the classroom as well as on the field. The NFF Hampshire Honor Society provides an important platform for us to recognize the value of the game in developing leaders while shining a light on their individual accomplishments."

Since 2007, the NFF Hampshire Honor Society has recognized 23568 student-athletes from 691 schools. The 2026 class represents the largest group in the program's history with a record 2596 players from 365 schools from across all three NCAA divisions and NAIA.