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The Syracuse Orange football team is not off to the start most fans were hoping for in 2026. The Orange won in historic fashion (66-3) to kick off the season against New Hampshire. But the next two games resulted in losses for Fran Brown's team. The second home game of 2026 resulted in a 21-18 loss against Cal. Just five days later, the group suffered 27-13 loss against Pittsburgh in the first road game of the season.

While some of the news on the field has been very frustrating, there was some good off field news this week, as David Clement was nominated for a national award.

Here's what you need to know:

The David Clement file

A product of Christian Brothers Academy in Albany, N.Y., Clement is now in his fourth season of college football. Clement has been a contributor on both offense and special teams during his career in Central New York.

The 6-foot-6 Clement has seen action as both a fullback and tight end when on offense.

This week, he was named a national semifinalist for the Campbell Trophy. Clement represents Syracuse in a group of 206 semifinalists ranging from the Division I to Division III levels.

What is the Campbell Trophy?

The Campbell Trophy, over the years, has grown into being regarded as one of the top individual awards in college football. The trophy is described in this way:

"Recognizing an individual as the absolute best in the country for his academic success, football performance and exemplary community leadership" 

To become considered as a semifinalist or finalist, a player must be a senior or graduate student in their final year of eligibility. The player must also have a grade point average of at least 3.2, along with having outstanding football ability, along with demonstrating strong leadership and citizenship.   

What's next in the process for the Campbell Trophy?

The National Football Foundation will announce 12 to 16 finalists on Oct. 21, and each of them will receive an $18,000 postgraduate scholarship.

The finalists will travel to Las Vegas for an awards dinner on Dec. 8, where their accomplishments will be highlighted. During the event, one member of the class will be declared as the winner of the Campbell Trophy and have his postgraduate scholarship increased to $25,000.

What's the next two weeks look like for Clement and his Orange teammates?

Syracuse is on a bye week for the weekend of Sept. 27 and will not play in a game again until Oct. 3 when they take on the UConn Huskies. Kickoff is set for 12:00 p.m. ET in East Hartford, CT. 

UConn is 2-1 and will play Miami (Ohio) this Saturday.

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