North Carolina State University Athletics
Shirley in Top Four for Arthur Ashe Jr. Sports Scholars Award
4/21/2026 9:56:00 AM | Football
Defensive tackle Isaiah Shirley continues to move up in the selection process for the 2026 Arthur Ashe Jr Sports Scholars Award.Â
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Shirley is now just one of four male student-athletes in all levels of college athletics still in contention and he is the only football player to advance. The redshirt junior was originally one of 900 nominees for this prestigious honor.
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"Isaiah Shirley exemplifies everything we want Wolfpack Football to stand for," said head coach Dave Doeren. "He is dedicated to getting better on the field and in the classroom every day and he is the definition of a true servant-leader. He serves in many leadership roles on student organizations and is always willing to volunteer in the community. I'm so proud of him."
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In addition to athletic ability, Arthur Ashe Jr. Sports Scholars have maintained at least a 3.5 cumulative grade point average, are at least sophomores academically, and participate in community service. Shirley is a two-time ACC All-Academic performer, was a nominee for the 2025Â Jason Witten Man of the Year Award, is NC State's ACC Student-Athlete Advistory Council representative and a member of the team leadership council.Â
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The Boone native has played in 29 career games for the Pack.
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Shirley is now just one of four male student-athletes in all levels of college athletics still in contention and he is the only football player to advance. The redshirt junior was originally one of 900 nominees for this prestigious honor.
Â
"Isaiah Shirley exemplifies everything we want Wolfpack Football to stand for," said head coach Dave Doeren. "He is dedicated to getting better on the field and in the classroom every day and he is the definition of a true servant-leader. He serves in many leadership roles on student organizations and is always willing to volunteer in the community. I'm so proud of him."
Â
In addition to athletic ability, Arthur Ashe Jr. Sports Scholars have maintained at least a 3.5 cumulative grade point average, are at least sophomores academically, and participate in community service. Shirley is a two-time ACC All-Academic performer, was a nominee for the 2025Â Jason Witten Man of the Year Award, is NC State's ACC Student-Athlete Advistory Council representative and a member of the team leadership council.Â
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The Boone native has played in 29 career games for the Pack.
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Players Mentioned
DE
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