UB linebacker Red Murdock has been named a finalist for the 2025 William V. Campbell Trophy recognizing an individual as the best football scholar-athlete in the nation for his combined academic success, football performance and exemplary leadership.     

Murdock, one of 16 finalists, will receive an $18,000 postgraduate scholarship as a member of the 2025 National Football Foundation (NFF) National Scholar-Athlete Class Presented by Fidelity Investments® The 16 finalists were selected from 180 semifinalists nationwide from among all NCAA divisions and the NAIA.

One of the finalists will be selected as the winner of the 36th Campbell Trophy^® — and have his scholarship increased to $25,000 — at the 67th NFF Annual Awards Dinner Dec. 9 in Las Vegas.

A relentless playmaker and inspirational leader, Murdock has established himself as one of the nation’s leading tacklers while excelling in the classroom with a 3.46 GPA. He is the second NFF National Scholar-Athlete from UB; Gerry Quinlivan earned the honor in 1984.

Graduating magna cum laude from UB in May 2024 with a degree in psychology, Murdock is now pursuing a master’s in education studies, maintaining a perfect 4.0 GPA. A two-time College Sports Communicators Academic All-District selection, he was also a two-time Academic All-MAC honoree.

A two-year letterman and game captain multiple times, Murdock earned first-team All-MAC honors in 2024 after leading the nation in forced fumbles (7), ranking second nationally in tackles (156) and placing second in the MAC with 16.5 tackles for loss. He has recorded 301 total tackles, 35.5 tackles for loss, six sacks, one interception and 15 forced fumbles thus far during his career.

He set the UB single-season record for forced fumbles (7 in 2024) and is on pace to break the NCAA career mark (16), with a nation-leading four more this season for a career total of 15. He currently ranks third nationally in total tackles (with 70 total, averaging 11.7 per game) this year and his 9.5 tackles for loss tie him for No. 12 nationally.

Murdock’s leadership contributed to UB’s 2025 Bahamas Bowl victory, where he was named Defensive MVP with 13 tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss, two forced fumbles and a pick-six in the win over Liberty.

Named to the 2025 AFCA Good Works Team, Murdock founded and directs the Virginia Homework Helpers program, a free K–12 tutoring initiative supporting students in his home state. He also volunteers regularly with UB Athletics at community service events.