The Harlon Hill trophy is the most prestigious trophy in Division 2 football. Every season, the top three finalists are invited to the North Alabama campus for a ceremony, where one player is crowned the “Division 2 Heisman.”

Virginia Union running back Curtis Allen was the recipient of the award in 2025, rushing for 2,409 yards and 30 touchdowns on 8.1 yards per carry. 

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Coming into the 2026 season, there’s a whole crop of new faces who would compete for the Harlon Hill trophy. Six of last season’s eight finalists either graduated or transferred schools, leaving room for new D2 stars to take their place.

Here are 10 players who could win the 2026 Harlon Hill trophy. 

Judd Novak | QB | Kutztown

Judd Novak enters 2026 as one of the most accomplished returning quarterbacks in Division 2 football. He led the Golden Bears to an undefeated regular season, another PSAC championship, and a deep postseason run while establishing himself as one of the nation's most efficient passers. With Kutztown expected to contend for a national title again, Novak has the combination of production, winning pedigree, and national visibility that makes him a contender for the Harlon Hill.

Andrew Miller | RB | Harding

Few players in Division II were more valuable to their team's success than Andrew Miller in 2025. The Harding running back rushed for nearly 2,000 yards and 27 touchdowns while serving as the centerpiece of the nation's most dominant running game. Harding's success in the D2 playoffs gives Miller a strong platform, and another season approaching 2,000 rushing yards would make him difficult for Harlon Hill voters to ignore.

Jett Huff | QB | Central Oklahoma

Jett Huff has already proven he can put up eye-popping numbers in one of Division II's most explosive offenses. The Central Oklahoma quarterback is a true dual-threat playmaker capable of extending drives with his legs and his arm. That versatility makes him one of the most dangerous offensive players in the country. If Huff can lead the Bronchos into playoff contention while maintaining his production, he'll have the profile needed to emerge as a serious Harlon Hill candidate.

JayJay Jordan | RB | Slippery Rock

JayJay Jordan enters the season as one of the premier running backs in the PSAC and the focal point of a Slippery Rock offense expected to compete for the conference and championship. Jordan combines breakaway speed with the ability to handle a heavy workload, making him a threat every time he touches the football. Jordan has the opportunity to compile massive rushing totals while leading one of Division 2’s most recognizable programs. A dominant season could put him in the national spotlight.

Dawson Forgy | RB | Wayne State College

Dawson Forgy emerged as one of the NSIC’s most productive offensive weapons and enters 2026 with a chance to become one of the nation's leading rushers. The Wayne State College running back has the ability to consistently produce explosive plays. If he helps Wayne State College contend in a highly competitive conference, he will gain momentum.

Noah Dobert | RB | Northern Michigan

Noah Dobert took a major step forward as one of the most productive running backs in D2 has an opportunity to elevate himself into the national conversation. As one of the top returning rushers in the GLIAC, he has a path to posting the kind of yardage and touchdown totals that would put him in the Harlon Hill conversation. If the Wildcats exceed expectations and challenge for a playoff spot, Dobert could become one of Division II's biggest breakout stars.

Wyatt Bower | QB | Ferris State

Wyatt Bower steps into 2026 carrying the expectations that come with leading Division 2’s defending national championship. Ferris State quarterbacks are always under the national spotlight, and Bower has shown the athleticism and decision-making ability to thrive in that role. If Bower can pair efficient passing numbers with another deep playoff run, he'll quickly establish himself as one of the leading candidates for Division 2’s top individual honor.

Hank Brown Jr. | WR | Sioux Falls

Wide receivers rarely win the Harlon Hill Trophy, but Hank Brown Jr. has the talent to force his way into the conversation. One of the most explosive playmakers in Division II football, Brown has the ability to change games with a single touch and consistently produce big plays. His combination of production, athleticism, and big-game ability makes him the centerpiece of the Sioux Falls passing attack. If Brown posts elite receiving numbers while helping the Cougars compete for conference and postseason success, he'll become a candidate for the Harlon Hill.

Donnie Smith | QB | Northeastern State

Donnie Smith enters 2026 as one of the most exciting quarterbacks in the MIAA. Smith's ability to create plays both inside and outside the pocket makes him difficult for defenses to contain, while his leadership has elevated the offense. Smith has the skill set to put up the type of numbers voters reward. If Northeastern State continues its upward trajectory and reaches the playoffs, Smith's candidacy could gain national traction quickly.

Joseph Capra | QB | Colorado School of Mines

In 2025, Joseph Capra threw for more than 2,200 yards with 26 touchdowns and only four interceptions while adding another dimension as a runner. His efficiency, decision-making, and dual-threat ability make him one of the most complete quarterbacks in the country. With Mines expected to contend for a national championship, Capra has the combination of production and team success to emerge as a legitimate Harlon Hill favorite.

2026 College Football Season Dates To Know

The Season Start Date: 

The 2026 college football season is set to kick off on August 27th with Week Zero and then will jump into full Week One action on Sept. 5. 

NCAA D1 FBS National Championship: 

The 2027 National Championship game is scheduled for January 25 at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Nev. 

NCAA D1 FCS Championship: 

The 2027 FCS National Championship Game will take place on Jan. 11 at FirstBank Stadium in Nashville, Tenn. 

NCAA D2 Championship: 

The D2 national championship will be held in mid-December in McKinney, Texas. 

NCAA D3 Championship: 

The Stagg Bowl will be held in Salem, Virginia, in 2026. 

Who Won Each Football National Championship For The 2025-2026 Season?

• Division I FBS – Indiana def. Miami, 27-21
• Division I FCS – Montana State def. Illinois State 35-34 (OT)
• Division II – Ferris State def. Harding, 42-21
• Division III – University of Wisconsin-River Falls def. North Central (Ill.), 24-14

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