NFL Academy’s Finnish Players Chase College Scholarships

Based in Loughborough, England, NFL Academy is the NFL’s international player development programme, combining football coaching, education and exposure to US high school and college programmes. Its 2026–27 roster features 70 players from 21 countries, including three from Finland.

NFL Academy’s European programme operates in partnership with Loughborough College. This year’s coaching staff includes more American coaches than in previous seasons. Head coach Steve Hagen, who previously coached with the New York Jets and Cleveland Browns, brings extensive experience and strong connections to US college football.

A Pathway to College Football

NFL Academy prepares players for college football in the United States by combining specialist coaching with studies at Loughborough College that meet at least the equivalent of US high school graduation requirements. Older players also attend college camps in the United States during the summer, giving them opportunities to showcase their skills directly to college coaches.

The Academy receives more than 1,000 applications each year. The next intake is aimed at athletes aged 15–18 who meet both its sporting and academic requirements. Depending on scholarship support, annual costs range from €0 to €20,000, averaging approximately €12,000.

Finnish players who have progressed from the Academy to US college football include Samu Suominen (OL) at the University of Massachusetts and Vili Haapasalo (TE) at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. The Academy provides coaching and exposure, but a college scholarship must still be earned: players need to impress recruiters through their performances and meet all academic and eligibility requirements.

Meet the Finnish Players

Aukusti Hugaerts, DB, 6’4″, 206 lb

Tall defensive back Aukusti Hugaerts wears No. 16. Before joining the Academy, he played two seasons in the Helsinki Wolverines’ defence in Finland’s Maple League. A former soccer player, he won two Nordic Championship gold medals and a European Championship bronze with Finland’s youth national teams.

A product of the Wolverines’ youth programme, Hugaerts was admitted to Sotunki Upper Secondary School’s sports programme in 2024 before joining NFL Academy in 2025. He has received a college offer from NCAA programme Morgan State University.

Watch Aukusti’s highlights

Oliver Lehtinen, OL, 6’3″, 264 lb

Oliver Lehtinen plays centre and wears No. 60. Born in Canada, he also has potential opportunities in Canadian university football. Before taking up American football, he played basketball and soccer.

NFL Academy coaches spotted Lehtinen during Finland’s successful U17 Nordic Championship campaigns. A product of the Helsinki East City Giants, he was admitted to Mäkelänrinne Sports High School in 2023 and joined NFL Academy in 2024. His first college offer came from Rocky Mountain College, which competes in the NAIA.

Watch Oliver’s highlights on Hudl

Terho Vainio, LB, 6’1″, 234 lb

Terho Vainio, who switched from wide receiver to linebacker, wears No. 23. He represented Finland at youth international level and earned MVP honours in several youth championship finals.

Another product of the Helsinki East City Giants, Vainio was admitted to Mäkelänrinne Sports High School in 2023 before joining NFL Academy in 2024. His strong performances during the Academy’s 2026 US college camp tour attracted interest from several NCAA programmes, including Buffalo, Western Michigan, Bowling Green and Saginaw Valley State.

Watch Terho’s reaction to his first college offer

Watch Terho’s highlights on Hudl

Watch Games Live on YouTube

NFL Academy opened its 2026 season with wins over Marietta High School and Archbishop Hoban High School in the United States, followed by a narrow 21–16 defeat to Massillon High School.

The Academy has consistently proved too strong for its European academy opponents. Its schedule also includes games against the Spanish and Austrian U19 national teams.

Next, the Finnish trio will have a chance to showcase their skills when NFL Academy takes on IMG Academy, the No. 3-ranked high school team in the United States, in Bradenton, Florida, on Friday, October 16, 2026.