Albany, Ga. – Albany State University quarterback
Isaiah Knowles has been named one of 36 nominees for the prestigious 2025 Harlon Hill Trophy, awarded annually to the top player in NCAA Division II football. Recognized as one of the most dynamic and productive quarterbacks in the nation, Knowles continues to etch his name in Golden Rams history with an exceptional collegiate career.
A native of Tampa, Florida, Knowles has been a driving force behind Albany State's rise on the national stage. Throughout his career as a Golden Ram, he has compiled an impressive resume that includes:
- 198 rushes for 998 yards (572 net gained yards) and 10 rushing touchdowns
- 423 completions for 5,341 yards, a 153.39 passing efficiency, and 59 passing touchdowns
- 5,913 yards of total offense
Knowles' standout 2025 season has positioned him among the elite in Division II, earning him national rankings that include:
- 2nd in completions per game
- 12th in completion percentage
- 15th in passing efficiency
- 5th in passing touchdowns
- 7th in passing yards / passing yards per game
- 4th in points, responsible for
- 14th in rushing touchdowns
- 15th in rushing yards
- 2nd in total offense
These remarkable achievements have placed Knowles among the eight nominees representing Super Region 2, one of the most competitive regions in Division II football. The ballot of 36 includes 16 quarterbacks, 10 running backs, and a select group of standout players at other positions. Seventeen nominees are from programs that reached the NCAA Division II Playoffs, with ten advancing to the second round—highlighting the caliber of talent among this year's nominees.
Knowles' nomination also follows his strong showing in 2024, when he finished in the top six of his region, marking consecutive seasons of national recognition for the Golden Rams' leader under center.
About the Harlon Hill Trophy
The Harlon Hill Trophy—named for University of North Alabama legend and former Chicago Bears star Harlon Hill—is considered the Heisman Trophy of Division II football. The award is determined by votes from the sports information directors of the 159 football-playing Division II institutions.
The 36 nominees will appear on regional ballots, with the top two vote-getters from each of the four NCAA Division II Super Regions advancing to the national ballot. Regional voting concludes Monday, December 1, and the national winner will be announced on Friday, December 19.
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ABOUT ALBANY STATE ATHLETICS
Albany State University is a National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division II-level intercollegiate athletic program. The university currently fields teams in 11 sports: women's volleyball, women's tennis, women's cross country, men's and women's basketball, softball, men's and women's track and field, women's soccer, baseball, and football with all teams compete in the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SIAC), except women's soccer, which participates in the Peach Belt Conference.
