Harlon Hill Trophy

Harlon Hill Trophy is the annual award given to the most outstanding NCAA Division II football player in the United States. Established in 1986, the trophy recognizes individual excellence among student-athletes representing institutions such as Northwest Missouri State University, Grand Valley State University, University of North Alabama, University of North Dakota, and Valdosta State University. The award is often compared to the Heisman Trophy for NCAA Division I FBS football, and its winners have connections to professional leagues including the National Football League, Canadian Football League, and Arena Football League.

History

The award was created in 1986 and named for Harlon Hill, a former University of North Alabama star and Chicago Bears standout of the National Football League era who won the NFL Most Valuable Player Award in 1954. Early champions and nominees came from conferences such as the Gulf South Conference, Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association, Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference, Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference, and South Atlantic Conference. Over decades, the selection committee has included sportswriters and broadcasters from outlets like the Sports Information Directors community, regional newspapers such as the Florence Times-Daily, and regional television affiliates connected to networks like ESPN and CBS Sports Network. The award ceremony historically alternated host cities in Alabama and other regional centers before establishing a regular presentation venue tied to local institutions and civic sponsors.

Eligibility and Selection Process

Players from all institutions classified under NCAA Division II are eligible, including members of conferences such as the Lone Star Conference, Northeast-10 Conference, Great Midwest Athletic Conference, and Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference. Nominees are typically recommended by sports information directors at schools including California State University, Sacramento, Shepherd University, Augustana College (Illinois), and Texas A&M University–Kingsville. The selection process involves regional ballots organized around the NCAA Division II regions—Northeast, South, Midwest, and West—with voters drawn from media organizations such as the Associated Press, United Press International, and regional sports bureaus. Finalists are chosen through a vote tally that narrows a larger nominee pool to a national top-10, then a top-3, before a winner is announced at the presentation honoring contributors from institutions like University of North Alabama and local civic partners.

Trophy and Presentation

The trophy itself is a bronze statuette modeled to represent a football player and is presented during a banquet that features attendees from universities, athletic conferences, and municipal officials from host cities. Presentation ceremonies have welcomed prominent figures from institutions such as the University of Alabama, Auburn University, Jacksonville State University, Valdosta State University, and media partners like The Sporting News and Sports Illustrated. Winners receive commemorative items and are often inducted into school halls of fame at institutions including Northwest Missouri State University and Valdosta State University. The event is covered by outlets ranging from regional newspapers like the Times-Picayune to national broadcasters associated with ESPN3 and college sports networks.

Notable Winners and Records

Several recipients have built notable professional careers or set Division II records. Winners have hailed from programs such as Northwest Missouri State University, Grand Valley State University, University of North Dakota, University of North Alabama, and Valdosta State University. Some awardees advanced to the National Football League and played for franchises including the Chicago Bears, New York Giants, Dallas Cowboys, and Minnesota Vikings; others continued careers in the Canadian Football League with teams like the Winnipeg Blue Bombers and Calgary Stampeders. Statistical records among winners include single-season passing, rushing, and all-purpose yardage marks established in conference play within the Gulf South Conference and Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association. Notable finalists and winners have included players who later received conference honors such as All-American recognition from organizations like the American Football Coaches Association and the D2Football.com All-America teams.

Impact and Legacy

The award has elevated visibility for NCAA Division II football athletes and programs, aiding recruiting and professional scouting for institutions such as Valdosta State University and Northwest Missouri State University. It has also fostered media coverage by outlets including ESPN, CBS Sports, The Athletic, and regional newspapers, increasing exposure for conferences such as the Great American Conference and Lone Star Conference. Recipients often become ambassadors for their alma maters, participating in alumni events, coaching clinics, and community programs in cities like Florence, Alabama, St. Louis, Missouri, and Valdosta, Georgia. The award contributes to the historical record of collegiate football alongside honors like the Walter Payton Award and the Buck Buchanan Award, reinforcing the competitive profile of Division II within the wider landscape of college football.

Category:College football awards