Dragons QB Jack Strand named finalist for Campbell Trophy, earns $18K postgraduate scholarship – InForum
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MOORHEAD — Minnesota State Moorhead senior quarterback Jack Strand is among the top student-athletes in all of college football.
Strand was named one of 16 finalists for the William V. Campbell Trophy, which college football premier scholar-athlete award. The National Football Foundation announced the finalists Wednesday, Oct. 22.
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“It’s really special,” said Strand, from Bloomer, Wisconsin. “It’s cool to see some off-field stuff get recognized, too, it’s something I kind of pride myself on, performing well in the classroom, too.”
Strand and all the finalists each receive an $18,000 postgraduate scholarship. He has a 3.87 grade-point average in engineering physics. He plans to attend graduate school for mechanical or aerospace engineering.
“I’ve always been interested in space and rockets,” Strand said.
All finalists will travel to the Bellagio Hotel & Casino for the National Football Foundation Annual Awards Dinner on Dec. 9 in Las Vegas. The winner will be announced at the event.
“It’s a testament to Jack not only as a football player, but as a person, as a student, he’s excelled in a lot of areas of life,” said Dragons head coach Steve Laqua. “He’s a great football player on the field, but he’s even a better person.”
Alabama quarterback Jalen Milroe won the award last season. Other former winners include Oregon’s Bo Nix (2023) , Oregon’s Justin Herbert (2019) and Florida’s Tim Tebow (2009) and Tennessee’s Peyton Manning (1997).
Strand is in the final season with the Dragons and holds multiple program passing records. In 38 career games, he’s completed 63% of his passes for 11,908 yards and 108 touchdowns with 47 interceptions.
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“As long as we’re winning games and getting better every week, that’s the most important thing,” Strand said.
The Dragons (5-2, 4-2 NSIC) next play at Northern State at 6 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 25, in Aberdeen, South Dakota. The 6-foot-5, 240-pound Strand has completed 60% of his passes this season for 2,293 yards and 24 TDs with 11 interceptions.
Strand has received some NFL buzz with scouts visiting the MSUM campus. He was also on the East-West Shrine Bowl preseason watch list. Strand said pursuing pro football could temporarily push back his graduate school plans.
“Going to grad school has always been something that I want to do,” Strand said.
MSUM has four games remaining in the regular season.
“Every year seems like it goes by faster than the last one,” Strand said. “I’ve been trying to enjoy all the little moments.”
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