The US Coast Guard Academy will check off all your boxes:
play college football - check
serve your country - check
get a college degree on Uncle Sam’s dime - check
plus unlike the other service academies, you do not need a congressional recommendation to apply. that could take months. and it’s free.
http://www.cga.edu/admissions2.aspx?id=79
why not fill out an application? if you get accepted that is another option in your back pocket while you sort everything out and make your decision. you can always turn down your acceptance if you have a better offer.