Contact: Nicholas Osterloo, Director of Athletics Communication, 630-637-5324
Fred Mitchell Award Press Release
Dec. 5, 2025 - North Central College kicker
Aidan Ellison is one of just ten kickers to be announced as a finalist for the Fred Mitchell Award, which is awarded to the top kicker in the NCAA College Divisions (Football Championship Subdivision (FCS), Division II, Division III, NAIA and junior colleges).
He is the lone Division III kicker standing amongst the finalists with eight FCS kickers and a Division III kicker. There has not been a Division III recipient of the Fred Mitchell Award since 2009 when University of Wisconsin-Whitewater kicker Jeff Schebler earned the accolade.
Established in 2009, the award recognizes both athletic excellence and community service. Out of more than 750 eligible institutions, 36 players were named to the preseason watch list. Ellison is one of 41 semifinalists nationwide, and one of just six Division III kickers represented. He is the first North Central kicker to earn semifinalist recognition.
"This year's group of finalists is extraordinary—not only because of their talent, but because of how young they are. We are witnessing the next generation of great kickers, and their achievements this season are nothing short of remarkable," said Fred Mitchell, the award's namesake, author, and longtime Chicago Tribune sports columnist. "These ten student-athletes demonstrated elite leg strength, elite accuracy, and elite character. Their commitment to community service is inspiring, and I am confident they represent the bright future of collegiate kicking."
Ellison has left his mark on the Cardinals' record books this season, converting 12 of 13 field-goal attempts in the regular season. His school-record 57-yard kick against Augustana College stands as the longest made field goal in Division III football this year. He also connected from 51, 50 and 49 yards, giving him four entries among the program's 10 longest field goals. His 92.9 percent accuracy ranks second nationally among Division III kickers.
The Fred Mitchell Award Selection Committee will announce the winner next week.
Ellison looks to add to his impressive resume Saturday as the Cardinals host the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse for a noon kickoff inside Benedetti-Wehrli Stadium.
