Emporia State football player Braden Gleason has been named one of nine finalists for the 2023 Harlon Hill Trophy indicative of the NCAA Division II College Football Player of the Year. The Harlon Hill Trophy is named after NFL player Harlon Junius Hill, who played for Chicago Bears, the Pittsburgh Steelers, and the Detroit Lions. 

The nomination comes after a year of career highs for Gleason. Gleason was selected unanimously for All-MIAA quarterback, as well as ranking first in the nation in completion percentage, second in touchdown passes, third in passing yards and completions, and fifth in passing efficiency. He was also named MIAA Offensive Player of the Week four times during the 2023 season. Additionally, Gleason had 482 passing yards this season, the third most in a D2 game this year, and the fourth most yards of total offense.

With 109 career touchdown passes, Gleason is the MIAA record-holder. He also ranks second in career total offense and total touchdowns and completions. Gleason is one of nine players across all NCAA divisions to hold 11,000 career passing and 1,000 career rushing yards.

The winner of the Harlon Hill Trophy is set to be announced on Friday, Dec. 15. The winner will be honored at the Little Rock Touchdown Club awards banquet on Friday, Jan. 12, 2024.