The Youngstown State football program had 12 former student-athletes named to the 2026 NFF Hampshire Honor Society, the National Football Foundation announced on Wednesday.

Penguins named to the team are Byron Floyd, DJ Harris, Luke Hensley, Dathan Hickey, Parker Jacobs, Brendon Kilpatrick, Matt Reardon, Jeremiah Robinson, Chris Sammarone, Colt Sechrest, Collin Vaughn and Preston Zandier.

Celebrating its 20th anniversary, the NFF Hampshire Honor Society has recognized 23,568 student-athletes from 691 schools since 2007. The 2026 class, which includes a record 2,596 players from 365 schools, represents the largest group in the program's history and underscores the sustained academic achievement taking place across all levels of college football. The National Football Foundation Hampshire Honor Society is comprised of college football players from all divisions of the NCAA, NAIA and sprint football who each maintained a cumulative 3.2 GPA or better throughout their college careers.

YSU earned special recognition highlighting 20 consecutive years of having at least one student-athlete named to the Hampshire Honor Society. Youngstown State is one of just 23 colleges/universities with at least one player in all 20 years of the Honor Society, which has recognized student-athletes from 2007-26. The Guins are one of just 10 current FCS programs to be recognized.

"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."
 
Created in 2007, the NFF Hampshire Honor Society is one of the most comprehensive scholar-athlete initiatives in college athletics, recognizing football players from all divisions who have maintained a cumulative 3.2 GPA or higher throughout their college careers. Click here for the full criteria and history.
 
"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."