The Gagliardi Trophy race continued to take shape in Week 7, with established contenders facing important tests and several quarterbacks adding to their cases for NCAA Division III football’s top individual honor.
SUNY Cortland's Mike Rescigno and Bethel's (MN) Cooper Drews delivered productive performances, while Geneva College's Caleb Romano faced a setback in a narrow loss.
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The results offered another reminder that individual production matters, but winning games and performing consistently will be crucial as the season progresses.
The Gagliardi Trophy recognizes the most outstanding player in Division III football, with athletic achievement, academics and community service all part of the award’s criteria.
Quarterbacks remain prominent in this year’s conversation, but the field includes players making their cases in different ways.
Who Impressed In Week 7?
Mike Rescigno, SUNY Cortland
Rescigno continued to show why he belongs among the leading Gagliardi Trophy candidates.
In Cortland’s victory over Alfred Football, he completed 25 of 33 passes for 241 yards and three touchdowns without throwing an interception.
Rescigno also ran for 81 yards on 13 carries, giving Cortland another dimension in the running game.
His ability to make plays as both a passer and a runner makes him one of the most compelling candidates in Division III.
Cooper Drews, Bethel
Drews helped Bethel earn a convincing win over St. Olaf College, contributing through the air and on the ground.
The quarterback completed 24 of 31 passes for 226 yards and three touchdowns, with one interception. He also rushed for 54 yards and two touchdowns on seven carries.
Drews’ five total touchdowns demonstrated his value to Bethel’s offense. His ability to score in multiple ways keeps him firmly in the conversation as the Gagliardi Trophy race continues.
Caleb Romano, Geneva
Romano and Geneva suffered a difficult 14-13 loss to Westminster College (PA), but the quarterback’s performance remains worth monitoring.
Romano completed 21 of 37 passes for 225 yards and a touchdown, throwing one interception. Geneva outgained Westminster 359-338 and held a substantial advantage in first downs, but six sacks proved costly for the Golden Tornadoes.
The defeat was a setback for Geneva, and Romano will need to help his team turn close games into wins.
His earlier production, including a six-touchdown performance against Hiram College, gives him a foundation to build on during the second half of the season.
Gagliardi Trophy Contenders To Watch This Week
Mike Rescigno, SUNY Cortland
Rescigno remains one of the strongest players to follow because of his dual-threat ability.
His three touchdown passes and 81 rushing yards against Alfred showed how he can influence a game even when defenses focus on limiting one part of his skill set.
Another efficient performance, especially in a meaningful conference matchup, would help him maintain momentum in the award race.
Cooper Drews, Bethel
Drews’ five-touchdown performance against St. Olaf gave him another strong entry on his season resume.
His combination of passing production and rushing scores makes him a difficult matchup for opposing defenses.
The next challenge is sustaining that level of production as Bethel moves deeper into conference play.
Caleb Romano, Geneva
Romano is one to watch after Geneva’s narrow loss to Westminster.
His response will be important, particularly as the Golden Tornadoes look to remain competitive in the Presidents’ Athletic Conference.
Romano has already shown he can produce at a high level. A strong bounce-back performance with improved protection and fewer mistakes could help him regain momentum.
Jaxon Schreiber, Mount St. Joseph
Schreiber remains a name to monitor after a productive Week 6 performance against Franklin Football, when he threw for 303 yards and two touchdowns in a 42-36 victory.
His ability to produce in high-scoring games has made him one of the season’s emerging contenders.
Another efficient outing would help keep him in the discussion alongside Rescigno and Drews.
Garret Wilson, North Central
Wilson remains an important name in the race because of his role leading one of Division III’s premier programs.
North Central’s loss to Wheaton in Week 6 interrupted its momentum, making the team’s response a key storyline.
Wilson’s ability to regain his earlier form and guide the Cardinals through the remainder of the schedule will be worth watching.
His combination of individual production and team success could remain central to his candidacy.
The Gagliardi Trophy Race Continues
Week 7 provided a mix of standout performances and reminders that the race is far from settled.
Rescigno and Drews strengthened their cases with productive outings, while Romano faces an opportunity to respond after a narrow defeat.
As Division III football moves toward the latter part of the regular season, consistency, team results and performances in high-pressure games will carry increasing importance.
The contenders still have time to separate themselves, and another strong weekend could reshape the conversation.
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