COLLEGEVILLE, Minn. – Saint John's University (Minn.) junior quarterback Jackson Erdmann is the winner or the 2018 Gagliardi Trophy, an award presented by Jostens to the most outstanding football player in NCAA Division III. 

Erdmann is the 14th quarterback to win the Gagliardi Trophy in the 26-year history of the award. He led the Johnnies to a 12-1 record and the Division III quarterfinals. Erdmann leads Division III in passing efficiency (189.8) and is third to Oklahoma's Kyler Murray (205.7) and Alabama's Tua Tagovailoa (202.3) across all divisions. In his only loss, he threw for 418 yards and two touchdowns against the nation's top defense, the University of Mary-Hardin Baylor (Texas). Erdmann set single-game program records this fall for passing yards (470 on Oct. 13 vs. St. Thomas, Minn.) and passing touchdowns (7 on Nov. 10 vs. Thomas More, Ky.). 

Erdmann received nearly an unprecedented vote tally, earning 93 percent of all possible voter points. 

Jackson Erdmann, Saint John's University (Minn.)
QB | 6-4, 215 | Junior | Global Business Leadership
Rosemount, Minn. | Rosemount High School
-2018 MIAC Most Valuable Player…is first in Division III in both passing efficiency (189.8), passing touchdowns (47), points responsible for (290) fourth in passing yards (3450) and eighth in completion percentage (.672)...set SJU single-game records for passing yards (470) and passing touchdowns (7) this fall…member of 22-man 2018 AFCA Allstate Good Works Team…started teaching ESL class one night (1.5 hours) per week this fall…participated in an 18-day service trip last winter to northern Thailand, where he worked with various organizations that fight child sex trafficking…ran a church youth group last summer.

The Gagliardi Trophy, given annually since 1993, recognizes excellence in athletics, academics and community service. The award is named after John Gagliardi, Saint John's legendary Hall of Fame head football coach who retired in 2012 with 489 career victories, the most in college football history. Gagliardi passed away Oct. 7 at the age of 91.

The four Gagliardi Trophy finalists were revealed Dec. 6 by D3football.com during a live streaming broadcast. The winner of the 2018 Gagliardi Trophy was announced by D3football.com on Friday, Dec. 14 prior to the Amos Alonzo Stagg Bowl where University of Mount Union faces Mary-Hardin Baylor in Shenandoah, Texas. 

The trophy design features a sculpture of Gagliardi and a player, representing the teacher-coach and the student-athlete in a one-on-one sideline consultation. Hand-cast in bronze on a polished wood base, the trophy stands nearly two feet tall and weighs approximately 64 pounds. The words "The Gagliardi Trophy presented by Jostens & J-Club" are printed on the acrylic panel behind the figures. The words "Division III 2018 Player of the Year" and "Honoring Excellence in Football, Academics and Community Service" are etched on two panels below the figures.

Nominations were submitted by colleges across the country, and 13 semifinalists were selected by the J-Club Board of Directors. The semifinalists then moved on to the Gagliardi Trophy national-selection committee, which is comprised of 39 former small college football players, former Gagliardi Trophy recipients, business leaders, academicians and sports writers from around the country. Each cast a ballot ranking the semifinalists from 13 (top pick) to 1. A fan ballot, which served as the 40th committee member was operated on D3football.com and had nearly 17,000 votes cast.

Past Winners:
2017 - Brett Kasper, QB, University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh 
2016 - Carter Hanson, LB, Saint John's University (Minn.) 
2015 - Joe Callahan, QB, Wesley College (Del.)
2014 - Kevin Burke, QB, University of Mount Union (Ohio) 
2013 - Kevin Burke, QB, University of Mount Union (Ohio) 
2012 - Scottie Williams, RB, Elmhurst College (Ill.) 
2011 - Michael Zweifel, WR, University of Dubuque (Iowa)
2010 - Eric Watt, QB, Trine University (Ind.)
2009 - Blaine Westemeyer, OL, Augustana College (Ill.) 
2008 - Greg Micheli, QB, Mount Union College (Ohio)
2007 - Justin Beaver, RB, University of Wisconsin-Whitewater 
2006 - Josh Brehm, QB, Alma College (Mich.) 
2005 - Brett Elliott, QB, Linfield College (Ore.)
2004 - Rocky Myers, SS, Wesley College (Del.)
2003 - Blake Elliott, WR/PR/KR, Saint John's University (Minn.)
2002 - Dan Pugh, RB, Mount Union College (Ohio)
2001 - Chuck Moore, RB, Mount Union College (Ohio)
2000 - Chad Johnson, QB, Pacific Lutheran University (Wash.)
1999 - Danny Ragsdale, QB, University of Redlands (Calif.)
1998 - Scott Hvistendahl, WR/P, Augsburg College (Minn.)
1997 - Bill Borchert, QB, Mount Union College (Ohio)
1996 - Lon Erickson, QB, Illinois Wesleyan University
1995 - Chris Palmer, WR, Saint John's University (Minn.)
1994 - Carey Bender, RB, Coe College (Iowa)
1993 - Jim Ballard, QB, Mount Union College (Ohio)

About Jostens
Founded in 1897 and based in Minneapolis, Jostens is a trusted partner in the academic and achievement channel, providing products, programs and services that help its customers celebrate important moments. The company's products comprise yearbooks, publications, jewelry and consumer goods that serve the K-12 educational, college and professional sports segments.

Jostens recently announced that Platinum Equity signed a definitive agreement to acquire Jostens. The acquisition is expected to be completed in the fourth quarter, subject to customary closing conditions, including regulatory approval.

About Saint John's University J-Club
Founded in 1959, the Saint John's University J-Club is a dues-based booster organization of former Johnnie student-athletes, parents and fans, and plays a key role in support of the SJU varsity programs, intramurals and club sports. Saint John's is a private liberal arts college for men located in Collegeville, Minn.