Sangamon Sun

Illinois College quarterback Destin Chance has been named a semifinalist for the 2024 Gagliardi Trophy, as announced by the J-Club. Chance is among 18 semifinalists and concluded the 2024 season with impressive statistics, completing 234 of 381 passes (61.4%) for 3,593 yards and 50 touchdowns. Additionally, he rushed for 586 yards on 89 carries, averaging 6.6 yards per attempt, and scored eight touchdowns. This marks his second consecutive year as a semifinalist.

The Gagliardi Trophy has been awarded annually since 1993 to the most outstanding NCAA Division III football player, recognizing achievements in athletics, academics, and community service. The award is named after John Gagliardi, Saint John's Hall of Fame head football coach who retired in 2012 with a record of 489 career victories and passed away at age 91 in 2018.

The selection committee includes a diverse group of voters: 18 Division III coaches from each NCAA Region, six Division III administrators from each region, twelve regional notable voters from each region, and six national voters with Division III backgrounds. A fan vote will also be conducted on D3football.com until December 13.

Finalists will be announced during a live show at 4 p.m. ET on Thursday, December 19 on D3football.com where host Pat Coleman will profile them. The winner of the Gagliardi Trophy will be revealed during the week of the NCAA Division III football national championship game on D3football.com. Updates regarding specific dates and times will be provided by D3football.com leading up to the announcement.