IRVING, Texas (April 8) – Tight end Rowen Hershey and defensive back Rafiqe Hilliard from the California (PA) football program were recognized by the National Football Foundation (NFF) Hampshire Honor Society on Wednesday afternoon.

Members of the NFF Hampshire Honor Society, which is celebrating its 20th year, must be senior players who will graduate this spring or summer and have completed their final year of playing eligibility in 2025. All nominees must maintain a minimum cumulative 3.20 grade-point average (GPA) and have been starters or contributors throughout the 2025 season.

The Vulcans were one of seven teams in the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) with at least one honoree in the NFF Hampshire Honor Society in 2026.

Overall, a record total of 2,596 football student-athletes from 365 schools qualified for membership this spring. NCAA Division II set an all-time record with 267 honorees, as it eclipsed 250 honorees for the first time.

The Vulcans have had 35 players recognized by the NFF Hampshire Honor Society since 2018. Cal has featured multiple honorees in six-consecutive seasons.