title image via Albany State Football
Courtesy of Albany State Athletics
Albany State University’s redshirt sophomore quarterback, Isaiah Knowles, has been nominated for the 2024 Harlon Hill Trophy, an award that recognizes the most valuable player in NCAA Division II college football. Knowles is one of 43 student-athletes nationwide nominated for this prestigious honor, often referred to as the Division II equivalent of the Heisman Trophy.
The Harlon Hill Trophy, named in honor of former University of North Alabama standout and NFL player Harlon Hill, has been awarded annually since 1986 to recognize the best in Division II football. Past recipients include legendary players who have made significant impacts at both the collegiate and professional levels.
Knowles’ nomination places him among the elite of Division II football, with nominees representing four Super Regions: nine from Super Region One, 12 from Super Region Two (where Knowles is included), and 11 each from Super Regions Three and Four. He is one of three players from the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SIAC) to receive this recognition, joining Caleb Grant (linebacker, Morehouse) and David Wright III (quarterback, Clark Atlanta).
Knowles, a native of Tampa, Florida, finished the 2024 regular season as one of the SIAC’s top offensive performers, leading the league in touchdown passes (34) and passing yards (2,555) while ranking second in completion percentage (67.2%). He averaged 255.5 passing yards per game and threw six touchdown passes in two different games this season, including a dominant performance against Morehouse on October 19. Additionally, he rushed for 76 yards and three touchdowns, demonstrating his versatility as a dual-threat quarterback.
The winner will be determined by a nationwide vote of Division II sports information directors and announced on Friday, December 20.
Knowles joins a list of remarkable players vying for the honor, including returning finalists Brayden Long (Slippery Rock), Sammy Edwards (Valdosta State), and Tanner Volk (Central Washington), as well as 2023 Harlon Hill recipient Zach Zebrowski (Central Missouri), who aims to become only the fifth repeat winner in the award’s history.
As the Golden Rams’ leader, Knowles has demonstrated exceptional skill, leadership, and poise throughout the season, making him a standout among his peers. His nomination underscores the talent and dedication of Albany State’s football program and sets the stage for him to potentially join the ranks of Division II’s most celebrated players.
“Glory to God, I am honored to be nominated for this prestigious award,” said Knowles. “My success couldn’t have been accomplished without the help of my teammates and coaches. It’s pretty cool that I get to represent Albany State University and the city of Tampa.”
Head Coach Quinn Gray praised Knowles for his outstanding season and leadership, saying, “There is no one more deserving to receive this nomination. Isaiah exemplifies what it means to represent the Harlon Hill Award. His hard work, commitment, and dedication as a player are unmatched. When we talk about being ALL-IN, that’s Isaiah on and off the field. We are proud of Isaiah.”
