Tuscaloosa Academy student-athlete named to National Football Foundation Team of Distinction

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July 18, 2025

Tuscaloosa Academy graduate Russell Cole has been named to the prestigious 2025 National Football Foundation (NFF) Team of Distinction. This honor recognizes the nation’s top high school scholar-athletes for excellence on the field, in the classroom, and in their communities.

Cole was selected as the lone honoree from Alabama and one of just 82 players across the country chosen from a pool of more than 3,500 scholar-athletes nominated through the NFF’s nationwide chapter network. Each chapter was allowed to nominate only one individual, highlighting Cole as the top scholar-athlete from the University of Alabama Chapter’s region.

“Each year, the NFF Team of Distinction represents the very best of what high school football has to offer — young men who lead with character, perform with excellence, and give back to their communities,” said NFF Chairman Archie Manning in the national announcement.

The 2025 Team of Distinction includes honorees from 40 states, with an average GPA of 4.15. Among them, 74 served as team captains, 54 are members of the National Honor Society, and 10 were their class valedictorians.

At Tuscaloosa Academy, Cole distinguished himself in the classroom and beyond. He graduated with a 4.14 GPA and was a member of multiple honor societies, including the National Honor Society, Mu Alpha Theta, Spanish Honor Society, and the Computer Science Honor Society. He was also a member of the school’s 30+ ACT Club and was named “Mr. Tuscaloosa Academy” for his leadership and character.

Cole balanced his academic excellence with leadership in athletics and student life. A multi-sport athlete, he played varsity football and baseball, serving as captain for both teams. He was also active in the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Young Life, TA Ambassadors, Key Club, and served as Treasurer of the Student Government Association.

Reflecting on his time at TA, Cole listed his favorite memory as defeating Sulligent in the playoffs to earn a berth in the state championship game.

Cole plans to continue his academic journey at the University of Alabama, where he will join the Honors College as a Presidential Scholar. He plans to major in accounting and finance.

The National Football Foundation, which has promoted amateur football and recognized top scholar-athletes since 1954, called this year’s class of honorees “a shining example of character and excellence.”

Sherri Blevins is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You may contact her at [email protected].