Redshirt sophomore quarterback Marcus Stokes is a Harlon Hill Trophy Finalist.

The eight finalists for the award were announced on Wednesday morning. The top two voted on nominees in each super region were selected as the finalists. The sports information directors at their respective schools initially nominate candidates. The SIDs in those Super Regions vote for their top five candidates. The winner is then determined in a nationwide vote of the Division II sports information directors.

Stokes was the Gulf South Conference Offensive Player of the Year. He threw for 3,297 yards and 30 touchdowns while completing over 60-percent of his passes (223-of-368). He averaged 275 passing yards per game in 12 games played. Stokes also rushed for 10 touchdowns and 367 rush yards.

Stokes and the Argos advanced to the second round of the NCAA Division II playoffs as the No. 2 seed in Super Region 2. The team finished the season with a 10-2 record. 

The Harlon Hill Trophy is awarded to the NCAA Division II College Football Player of the Year. 36 student-athletes from across the country were nominated for the award, including eight from Super Region 2.

The winner of the 2025 award will be announced on Friday, December 19.

The Hill Trophy is named for the late Harlon Hill - the former University of North Alabama standout - who excelled with the Lions from 1950-53 before going on to fame in the National Football League with the Chicago Bears.

HARLON HILL TROPHY FINALISTS

Super Region 1
Curtis Allen – RB – Virginia. Union
Judd Novak – QB - Kutztown

Super Region 2
Marcus Stokes – QB – West Florida
Reed Charpia – QB – Newberry

Super Region 3
Jack Strand – QB – Minnesota State Moorhead
Gavin Sukup – QB – Indianapolis

Super Region 4
Andrew Miller – RB – Harding
Drew Nash – QB – Western Colorado