MANHEIM, Pa. – Harding senior offensive tackle Jake Mitchell recorded the highest finish in program history for the Gene Upshaw Division II Lineman of the Year Award on Friday, placing second in the national balloting.
Ferris State offensive tackle Tim Anderson was named the winner of the 2025 award, presented annually by the Manheim Touchdown Club to the top senior lineman in NCAA Division II.
Mitchell's runner-up finish surpasses all previous Harding finalists. He is the second consecutive Bison to reach the final stage of the award process, following Gage Price's fifth-place finish as a finalist in 2024.
A native of Greenhill, Alabama, Mitchell was the driving force behind a historic Harding offense in 2025. The 6-foot-2, 270-pound tackle anchored a line that leads NCAA Division II in rushing with 450.6 yards per game. His unit also finished the regular season ranked No. 1 nationally in fewest sacks allowed and fewest tackles for loss allowed.
Mitchell's blocking has paved the way for Harlon Hill Trophy finalist Andrew Miller and an offense that has powered the Bisons to a 14-0 record and berth in the national semifinals.
The award is voted upon by sports information directors from across Division II. The ballot included eight finalists—two from each of the four NCAA super regions.
2025 Gene Upshaw Award Voting Results (Top 3)
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Tim Anderson, Ferris State (OT)
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Jake Mitchell, Harding (OT)
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Michael Shimek, Ashland (DE)
The award is named in honor of the late Gene Upshaw, a Pro Football Hall of Fame lineman for the Oakland Raiders and the longtime executive director of the NFL Players Association.
