Titan Trio Included in NFF Hampshire Honor Society

Zunel, Khalil, and London earn the prestigious honor

4/8/2026 10:46:00 AM

IRVING, Texas - Seniors Luke Zunkel (McHenry, Ill.-McHenry West), Mo Khalil (Lemont, Ill.-Lemont), and Andrew London (Tinley Park, Ill.-Andrew) represented the Illinois Wesleyan University football team as part of the 2026 National Football Foundation Hampshire Honor Society induction class announced Wednesday, April 8.

"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," NFF President & CEO Steve Hatchell said. "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."

The honor society comprises 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.

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.

Nominated by their respective schools, members of the NFF Hampshire Honor Society must meet one of the following criteria:

Be a senior player graduating this spring/summer who completed his final year of playing eligibility in 2025; or

Be a graduated player or grad transfer who has already earned a bachelor's degree and competed in the 2025 season (even if the player has remaining eligibility and may return to play next season).

And must have:

Attained a minimum undergraduate cumulative GPA of 3.2 (4.0 scale); and

Been starters or contributors throughout the 2025 season

Zunkel was a steady presence on IWU's offensive line, starting all 10 games at center. He helped the Titans to the 41st-ranked red zone offense in Division III. The Green and White averaged 399.0 yards of total offense and 32.0 points per game in its first season under Jared Williamson's command. Both marks are the highest for the program since 2018. An education major, Zunkel holds a 3.77 grade point average.

Khalil was a contributor at linebacker, totaling 20 tackles on the season. He posted 4.5 stops behind the line of scrimmage, with two quarterback hurries and a fumble recovery. The Lemont, Ill. native posted two tackles for loss twice, with one coming in a career-high four tackle day at Carthage, Sept. 27. Khalil holds a 3.51 GPA as an education major.

London appeared in nine games on the defensive line. He totaled eight tackles, six solo and two assisted, with two stops for loss. He was also credited with a pass breakup. He owns a 3.21 GPA while studying finance.

IWU was one of four College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin institutions represented on the record-breaking list. The Titans were accompanied by Augustana, North Central, and Wheaton.

About the National Football Foundation & College Hall of Fame
Founded in 1947 with early leadership from General Douglas MacArthur, legendary Army coach Earl "Red" Blaik, and journalist Grantland Rice, the National Football Foundation & College Hall of Fame (NFF) is a nonprofit organization that leverages the power of amateur football to build leaders. With 120 chapters in 47 states, the NFF oversees initiatives such as the NFF College Hall of Fame, the NFF William V. Campbell Trophy®, the NFF National Scholar-Athlete Awards Presented by Fidelity Investments, Future For Football, and I Played. Learn more at footballfoundation.org and follow @NFFNetwork on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube.

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