Charlotte, NC (December 5, 2025) – Virginia Union senior running back Curtis Allen has been named one of eight national finalists for the 2025 Harlon Hill Trophy, college football’s top individual award in Division II. The announcement adds to a remarkable postseason for both Allen and the CIAA, as he was also selected the 2025 D2CCA Super Region One Offensive Player of the Year and headlines a group of nine CIAA student athletes honored across the region.
Allen’s season stands unmatched in college football this year. The senior from Petersburg rushed for 2386 yards, the second most in the nation across all divisions, while leading every level of NCAA football with 30 rushing touchdowns. He surpassed one hundred yards in every game, scored multiple touchdowns in ten contests, and powered a Virginia Union offense that remained among the most productive in Division II. Among the eight Harlon Hill finalists, he is one of only two running backs and one of just two representatives from Super Region One.
Commissioner Jacqie McWilliams Parker praised Allen’s achievements, stating, “Curtis has delivered one of the most remarkable seasons in college football this year. His consistency, his impact and the pride he carries for Virginia Union and the CIAA make him one of the most deserving student athletes in the country. We are incredibly proud to see him represent our conference on this national stage.”
Allen’s standout year reflects a broader story of excellence across CIAA football. The conference earned nine total selections on the 2025 D2CCA Super Region One Football Teams, a testament to the depth, competitiveness and rising profile of CIAA programs. Virginia Union led the way with five honorees, followed by impactful performers from Bowie State and Johnson C Smith.
CIAA on the 2025 D2CCA Super Region One Football Teams
First Team
• Curtis Allen, RB, Virginia Union
• Deandre Proctor, WR, Johnson C Smith
• Jamal Jones, DL, Bowie State
• Elijah McKenzie, CB, Bowie State
Second Team
• Mathias Nielsen, OL, Virginia Union
• Jamari Mason, OL, Johnson C Smith
• Joe Rounds, OL, Virginia Union
• Brady Myers, PK, Virginia Union
• Zyaire Tart, RS, Virginia Union
Virginia Union’s five selections marked the highest total among CIAA programs, with Bowie State and Johnson C Smith each adding two to round out a strong representation for the conference.
Media Contact:
Anna M. Butzlaff
Associate Commissioner, Strategic Communications
Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA)
abutzlaff@theciaa.com
About the CIAA
Founded in 1912, the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) is the first, and longest running, African American athletic conference in the U.S. and one of the most recognized conferences in Division II. The CIAA conducts 14 championships attended by more than 150000 fans from around the country. The Basketball Tournament has been honored as a 2019 Champion of Economic Impact in Sports Tourism by Sports Destination Management, the leading publication with the largest circulation of sports event planners and tournament directors in the sports tourism market, for both 2018 and 2019.
Headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina, the CIAA is governed by the Presidents and Chancellors of its 12 member institutions: Bowie State University, Bluefield State University, Claflin University, Elizabeth City State University, Fayetteville State University, Johnson C Smith University, Lincoln University of Pennsylvania, Livingstone College, Shaw University, Virginia State University, Virginia Union University, and Winston Salem State University. For more information on the CIAA, visit theciaa.com and follow us on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok.