The 2026 Gagliardi Trophy race remains wide open, but a handful of players have established themselves as leading candidates for Division III football's top individual honor.
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Awarded annually to the most outstanding player in Division III football, the Gagliardi Trophy often rewards a combination of individual production, team success and national impact.
As teams enter the second half of the season, several quarterbacks have emerged as leading candidates, while one standout wide receiver continues to make his case against a quarterback-heavy field.
A Strong Group Of Quarterbacks Leads The Field
- SUNY Cortland quarterback Mike Rescigno has become one of the most talked-about players in Division III football thanks to his ability to impact games both through the air and on the ground. His versatility has helped fuel one of the country's most dangerous offenses and kept Cortland firmly in the national title conversation.
- North Central's Garret Wilson also remains among the frontrunners. Leading the nation's top-ranked team, Wilson has continued to deliver the type of efficient, mistake-free performances that have become synonymous with successful Gagliardi campaigns. As long as the Cardinals continue winning, his name is likely to remain near the top of the list.
- Jaxon Schreiber has elevated his profile considerably this season at Mount St. Joseph. The quarterback has produced eye-catching numbers throughout the fall and become one of the biggest breakout stars in Division III football. His production and growing national recognition have made him a serious contender.
- Bethel (MN) quarterback Cooper Drews has built his case through consistency. With Bethel relying heavily on its passing attack, Drews has repeatedly delivered productive performances against challenging opponents, helping keep the Royals in the playoff picture.
Statistical Production Continues To Drive The Race
Several other quarterbacks remain firmly in contention through a combination of efficiency and offensive production.
- Geneva College's Caleb Romano and Denison's Tyler Green have each emerged as key drivers of their teams' success. Both have been effective at moving the ball while limiting mistakes, transforming themselves from early-season sleepers into legitimate candidates.
- DePauw quarterback Scott Ballentine and Coe College's Brady Kelly have also strengthened their resumes. Both have helped direct high-powered passing offenses while keeping their programs in position to compete for postseason berths. Continued success down the stretch could push either player further into the national spotlight.
A Receiver Worth Watching
While quarterbacks traditionally dominate Gagliardi Trophy discussions, Johns Hopkins receiver Cole Crotty has forced his way into the conversation.
Crotty has become the centerpiece of one of Division III's top offenses and continues to post impressive receiving numbers each week. Skill-position players rarely capture the award, but his production and importance to a nationally ranked team have made him the most compelling non-quarterback candidate in the country.
Plenty Can Change Before The Final Vote
With conference races heating up and playoff positioning becoming increasingly important, the next several weeks will likely play a major role in shaping the Gagliardi Trophy race.
Rescigno and Wilson appear to be setting the pace, while Schreiber, Drews, Romano, Green, Ballentine, Kelly and Crotty continue to build strong cases of their own.
As the season progresses, standout performances in meaningful games could ultimately determine who emerges as Division III football's top player.
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