Finalists have been announced for the 2025 Conerly Trophy, highlighting the most prolific college football player in Mississippi.
The Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame announced nine nominees for the award on Tuesday. Each year, the trophy is presented to the player determined by sportswriters and broadcasters to be the best in the state, and this year carries special significance as the award celebrates its 30th anniversary.
The annual award was named in honor of Mississippi Sports Hall of Famer Charlie Conerly, the legendary Ole Miss quarterback who went on to star for the New York Giants. For three decades, it has served to recognize the student-athletes who best elevated their teams, represented their programs with pride, and showcased Mississippi’s football tradition.
Each four-year college and university in Mississippi with a football program is allowed to nominate one player, and this year’s nominees represent a mix of veteran leaders, high-impact performers, and rising stars.
The nominees for the 2025 C Spire Conerly Trophy are:
Ole Miss quarterback Trinidad Chambliss
Though Chambliss was brought in to Oxford to be Austin Simmons’ backup, a week-two injury to the left-handed signal caller thrust the former Division II national champion to the top of the depth chart. And from there, Chambliss has flourished. Through 11 games, he has logged 2,657 passing yards, 14 touchdowns, and only three picks. He has also rushed for 444 yards and six touchdowns in the Rebels’ pursuit of a College Football Playoff berth.
Mississippi State wide receiver Brenen Thompson
An Oklahoma transfer, Thompson has been a vital addition to Jeff Lebby’s roster and has helped make Mississippi State more competitive following a 2-10 campaign in 2024. Thompson has tallied 868 yards and six touchdowns on 47 receptions, including a go-ahead score that aided in a thrilling comeback win over Arizona State.
Southern Miss quarterback Braylon Braxton
Braxton, who followed head coach Charles Huff from Marshall to Southern Miss, has been a star for the black and gold in what has been one of the best turnarounds in all of college football this season. Southern Miss was 1-11 last year and is now 7-3 with momentum, largely due to Braxton’s efforts. The dual-threat quarterback, while battling injuries, has logged 2,187 yards, 19 touchdowns, and five interceptions in the air, while tacking on an additional 220 yards and a score on the ground.
Jackson State quarterback JaCobian Morgan
Morgan, despite being sidelined for three straight games with a lingering left foot injury, has had a strong campaign for T.C. Taylor’s Tigers. The dual-threat signal caller from Canton has tossed for 1,175 yards, 10 touchdowns, and two interceptions, while mounting 254 yards and two touchdowns on the ground.
Alcorn State University running back Jacorian Sewell
A senior from Natchez, Sewell has been the go-to guy on the ground for the Braves. This season alone, Sewell has rushed for 758 yards and six touchdowns on 128 carries.
Mississippi Valley State quarterback Josh Brown
Amid what has been a daunting campaign for the Delta Devils, one shining light has been the junior field general. Brown, through 10 games, has logged 1,323 yards, six touchdowns, and three interceptions in the air, while accounting for 304 yards and two scores on the ground.
Delta State linebacker William Carter IV
The Statesmen’s season may have come to an end in controversial fashion over the weekend, but the hopes of having a player recognized for his excellence on the field did not. Carter has been a force for Todd Cooley’s squad, totaling 59 tackles, 1.5 sacks, and two fumble recoveries this year.
Belhaven linebacker Wyatt Beck
A star on the defensive side of the ball, Beck has simply been all over the field when the Blazers are looking to stop opposing offenses. The senior has totaled 85 tackles, 2.5 sacks, four pass breakups, and even a blocked kick this season.
Millsaps quarterback Grant Bizjack
The Majors’ top passer and rusher, Bizjack has been a true dual-threat weapon. Through the air, the true freshman has recorded 2,243 yards, 21 touchdowns, and five interceptions. On the ground, he’s rushed for 540 yards with three touchdowns.
The winner will be announced during a ceremony at the Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame and Museum in Jackson on Tuesday, Dec. 2. Tickets can be found here.
Moving forward, in addition to honoring the top football player with the Conerly Trophy and the best offensive lineman with the annual Hull Trophy, two new awards were announced. The upcoming SWAC Impact Award will honor the top performer from Mississippi’s SWAC programs, while the upcoming Division II/III Excellence Award will recognize outstanding achievement among the state’s colleges in those divisions.
