National Football Foundation recognizes BYU graduates playing in 2018

IRVING, Texas – The National Football Foundation (NFF) and College Hall of Fame today released a list of 1,162 student-athletes, including six BYU football players, who have already earned their undergraduate degrees and will be playing college football this fall while pursuing additional education.

BYU’s six graduates include quarterback Tanner Mangum, wide receiver Dylan Collie, defensive lineman Corbin Kaufusi, linebacker Adam Pulsipher and defensive backs Michael Shelton and Gavin Fowler.

“The National Football Foundation takes great pride in its role as a leading voice in the promotion of the scholar-athlete,” said NFF Chairman Archie Manning. “And highlighting the more than 1,100 student-athletes who have not only earned their undergraduate degrees but are now pursuing additional diplomas sends a powerful message about the doors that college football opens. This list allows us to showcase those individuals who have truly taken full advantage of the opportunities created by college football.”

The NFF compiled the list with the help of athletic directors, faculty athletics representatives and sports information directors from all divisions who identified the players on their 2018 fall rosters who have already earned their undergraduate degrees. A total of 221 schools responded, creating the list of 1,162 student-athletes who are slated to play this year while pursuing additional diplomas.

The numbers include 838 players from 125 schools in the Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS), 203 players from 57 schools in the Football Championship Subdivision (FCS), 102 players from 26 schools in Division II, nine players from nine schools in Division III and 10 players from four schools in the NAIA.

Publishing a list of the graduates playing college football represents the latest addition to the NFF’s list of initiatives designed to promote the scholar-athlete ideal, dating back to 1959 and the launch of the highly prestigious NFF National Scholar-Athlete Awards. The NFF has distributed more than $31 million in scholarships, including $11.3 million to 841 individuals via the NFF National Scholar-Athlete Awards and another $21 million through its nationwide Chapter Network.