May 14, 2026

IRVING, Texas – A total of 2,263 players from 369 schools qualified for membership on the 2026 National Football Foundation (NFF) Hampshire Honor Society list, setting a record for a total number of members during the program's 20-year history.  A total of eight members from the Dakota State (S.D.) football program was named to the list, announced last month.

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.

Nominated by their respective schools, members of the NFF Hampshire Honor Society must be either:

• A senior player, who will graduate this spring/summer, and just completed his final year of playing eligibility in the most recent season; or 
• A graduated player or grad transfer, who has already earned a bachelor's degree and competed in the most recent 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 most recent season.

The eight Dakota State football athletes that were named to the NFF Hampshire Honor Society are (name – position – major – hometown):

• Kaden Eng – full safety – physical education – Castlewood, S.D.
• Michael Foster – cornerback – business management – Orlando, Fla.
• Jack Hemmen – defensive lineman – business – Elkton, S.D.
• Brooks Jansen – defensive end – computer science – Emery, S.D.
• Tyler Kjetland – offensive lineman – business administration – Emery, S.D.
• Cole Paulson – linebacker – business education – Pipestone, Minn.
• Taron Serr – linebacker – business management – Burke, S.D.
• Xander Sheehan – kicker/punter – physical education – Hayti, S.D.