University of Tennessee Athletics
Three Vols Named To NFF Hampshire Honor Society
April 14, 2026 | Football
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – Three Tennessee football players – Chris Brazzell II, Star Thomas and Josh Turbyville – have been recognized on the 2026 National Football Foundation (NFF) Hampshire Honor Society.
The NFF Hampshire Honor Society is one of the most comprehensive scholar-athlete initiatives in college athletics, recognizing prominent senior or graduate football players from all divisions who have maintained a cumulative 3.2 GPA or higher.
Brazzell played two seasons with the Vols and was the SEC's leading receiver in his final year, recording 62 catches for 1,017 yards and nine touchdowns. He was a two-time SEC Academic Honor Roll recipient and volunteered for the Second Harvest Food Bank of East Tennessee to provide meals during the 2025 Thanksgiving holiday. The 2025 UT graduate is prepping for next week's 2026 NFL Draft where he is one of the top receiver prospects.
Thomas joined the Vols for one season, rushing for 596 yards on 104 carries with seven touchdowns. The Duke graduate was selected to the SEC Academic Honor Roll in his one year in Knoxville.
Turbyville has served as Tennessee's primary kickoff specialist three straight years, and he's twice earned All-SEC honors. Last regular season, he tied for third in the nation and second in the SEC in touchbacks with 67. A three-time SEC Academic Honor Roll recipient, Turbyville returns for his redshirt senior season this fall.
The NFF Hampshire Honor Society is a key part of the NFF's mission to promote academic excellence, leadership and personal development through football. Created in 2007 with support from Jon F. Hanson, the program expanded the NFF's ability to recognize student-athletes beyond its National Scholar-Athlete program.
Members are nominated by their respective schools and must meet the following criteria:
• A senior player graduating this spring/summer who completed his final season of eligibility in 2025; or
• A graduate player or grad transfer who has already earned a bachelor's degree and competed in the 2025 season
• Maintained a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.2 (4.0 scale)
• Been a starter or significant contributor during the 2025 season
The NFF Hampshire Honor Society is one of the most comprehensive scholar-athlete initiatives in college athletics, recognizing prominent senior or graduate football players from all divisions who have maintained a cumulative 3.2 GPA or higher.
Brazzell played two seasons with the Vols and was the SEC's leading receiver in his final year, recording 62 catches for 1,017 yards and nine touchdowns. He was a two-time SEC Academic Honor Roll recipient and volunteered for the Second Harvest Food Bank of East Tennessee to provide meals during the 2025 Thanksgiving holiday. The 2025 UT graduate is prepping for next week's 2026 NFL Draft where he is one of the top receiver prospects.
Thomas joined the Vols for one season, rushing for 596 yards on 104 carries with seven touchdowns. The Duke graduate was selected to the SEC Academic Honor Roll in his one year in Knoxville.
Turbyville has served as Tennessee's primary kickoff specialist three straight years, and he's twice earned All-SEC honors. Last regular season, he tied for third in the nation and second in the SEC in touchbacks with 67. A three-time SEC Academic Honor Roll recipient, Turbyville returns for his redshirt senior season this fall.
The NFF Hampshire Honor Society is a key part of the NFF's mission to promote academic excellence, leadership and personal development through football. Created in 2007 with support from Jon F. Hanson, the program expanded the NFF's ability to recognize student-athletes beyond its National Scholar-Athlete program.
Members are nominated by their respective schools and must meet the following criteria:
• A senior player graduating this spring/summer who completed his final season of eligibility in 2025; or
• A graduate player or grad transfer who has already earned a bachelor's degree and competed in the 2025 season
• Maintained a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.2 (4.0 scale)
• Been a starter or significant contributor during the 2025 season
Players Mentioned
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