The glass ceiling of Division II football has finally been shattered.

For nearly 40 years, the Harlon Hill Trophy—the Division II equivalent of the Heisman—has recognized the premier student-athletes in the country. Despite a rich legacy of talent and NFL Hall of Famers emerging from Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), the award had never been bestowed upon an HBCU player.

That changed Friday when Virginia Union University (VUU) running back Curtis Allen was officially named the recipient of the 2025 Harlon Hill Trophy.

Allen, a standout junior, didn't just win the award; he made history for the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) and the entire HBCU community.

"This is more than just an individual accolade," said a spokesperson for the CIAA following the announcement. "This is a testament to the excellence that has always existed on our campuses and the relentless work ethic of a young man who refused to be overlooked."

The journey to the trophy was paved by a record-breaking season in which Allen dominated opposing defenses with a blend of power and elite speed. His 2025 campaign was defined by consistency, leading the Panthers to the top of the conference standings and anchoring an offense that became one of the most feared in the nation.

The significance of Allen’s victory cannot be overstated. Since the award’s inception in 1986, the Harlon Hill has often felt just out of reach for HBCU stars, despite legendary performances from players past. By securing the most votes from Division II sports information directors nationwide, Allen has effectively recalibrated the national spotlight toward Richmond, Virginia, and the CIAA.

For Virginia Union, the win reinforces the university’s status as a powerhouse in the modern DII landscape. Allen joins a prestigious fraternity of winners, but he stands alone as the trailblazer for Black College Football at this level of recognition.

Allen may have let his play do the talking all season, but his win on Friday spoke volumes. As the first HBCU player to hoist the Harlon Hill Trophy, he has ensured that future generations of athletes at small schools and historic institutions know that the highest honors in the game are finally within their grasp.

Allen is expected to be honored at a formal ceremony on campus early next semester, celebrating a season that will forever be etched in the record books of Virginia Union and HBCU sports history.