DePauw Stories

Robby Ballentine ’26 has already been enjoying a record-setting season on the football field. Now, the star DePauw wide receiver is adding to his list of accomplishments after being named a finalist for the 2025 William V. Campbell Trophy. Ballentine is the only Division III student-athlete to be included among the 16 finalists, all of whom were chosen for their academic success, football performance and exemplary leadership.

"Robby is an outstanding individual that works tirelessly and quietly on the field, in the classroom and in everything he does,” said Stevie Baker-Watson, Theodore Katula Director of Athletics and Recreational Sports. “Each week in the fall, we read about his athletics success, and now, being named a Campbell Trophy finalist gives our Tiger fans, alumni and friends the chance to see that same success in his academic work. At DePauw, we’ve always believed you don’t have to choose between athletics success and academic rigor, and Robby’s recognition perfectly illustrates the extraordinary opportunities available through the Division III experience."

As a biochemistry major, Ballentine has earned an impressive 3.92 GPA over the course of his academic career. He has been named a First Team Academic All-American and a member of the North Coast Athletic Conference Scholar-Athlete Honor Roll. He has also regularly appeared on the Tiger Pride Honor Roll and DePauw’s Dean’s List.

“Robby checks every box for want we strive to be as a DePauw Tiger,” said head football coach Brett Dietz. “He's humble, focused, hardworking and the ultimate competitor. He sets his priorities, sticks to them and does everything the right way. He's a great teammate and leader. I couldn't be more proud of him.”

Ballentine will travel to Las Vegas on December 9, where he will be recognized at the 67th Annual National Football Foundation Annual Awards Dinner. Each of the finalists will receive an $18,000 postgraduate scholarship, with the winner of the Campbell Trophy receiving a scholarship of $25,000.

To read more about Ballentine and the Campbell Trophy, you can view this extensive press release on the DePauw Athletics website.