Redshirt-Senior offensive lineman J.J. Lippe (Milwaukee, Wis./Whitefish Bay) of the Northern Illinois University football team was named a semifinalist for the William V. Campbell Trophy on Wednesday, as announced by the National Football Foundation & College Hall Of Fame.

The Campbell Trophy recognizes an individual as the absolute best football scholar-athlete in the nation for his combined academic success, football performance and leadership.

Lippe has started 33 of his 46 career games at NIU, with his last 16 starts at left guard. The NIU offensive line has paved the way for the Mid-American Conference’s top offense in 2024, averaging 484.3 yards per game. The Huskies have not allowed a sack in six straight games entering this week. In 2022 NIU led the MAC in fewest sacks allowed with 1.0 per game.

A three-time Academic All-MAC selection, Lippe earned College Sports Communicators Academic All-District honors in 2023. Lippe earned his bachelor’s degree in leadership and management in May of 2023. He currently holds a 3.634 grade point average as he pursues a post-baccalaureate degree in sports management.

Nominated by their schools, candidates for the award must be a senior who will complete his final year of eligibility in the 2024 season or graduate student or graduate transfer who has already earned a degree and participating in the 2024 season, have a GPA of at least 3.2 on a 4.0 scale, have outstanding football lability and have demonstrated strong leadership and citizenship. The NFF will announce 12-14 finalists on Oct. 23 with the winner announced on Dec. 10.  A total of 203 semifinalists were named on Wednesday across all divisions of the NCAA and the NAIA.

NIU heads to North Carolina this week for an 11 a.m. game at NC State on Saturday, Sept. 28. The game will be broadcast on The CW. It is the third time in the last four seasons the Huskies will take on an Atlantic Coast Conference opponent on the road.