COLLEGEVILLE, Minn. – Sophomore safety Matt Jung was named one of 18 semifinalists for the 2024 Gagliardi Trophy Presented by Stearns Bank.
 
Jung, who is one of four defensive players on the list, currently leads the nation with eight interceptions, three of which have been returned for a touchdown. He leads the squad with 91 tackles and has forced two fumbles. On special teams, he ranks ninth nationally averaging 15.4 yards per punt return.
 
The Gagliardi Trophy, given annually since 1993, is awarded to the most outstanding NCAA Division III football player and 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 passed away at the age of 91 in 2018. John retired in 2012 with 489 career victories, the most in college football history.
 
The Gagliardi Trophy national-selection committee is comprised of 18 Division III coaches (three
from each NCAA Region), six Division III administrators (one from each region), 12 regional notable voters (two from each region) and six national voters with Division III backgrounds. A fan vote, which runs until Dec. 13, will be live soon on D3football.com. No J-Club members vote as part of the national-selection committee.
 
The Gagliardi Trophy finalists will be announced during a live show at 4 p.m. ET Thursday, Dec. 19, on D3football.com. Host Pat Coleman will profile the finalists during the program. The 2024
Gagliardi Trophy winner will be revealed on D3football.com during the week of the NCAA Division III football national championship game. In the lead up to the announcement of the 2024 Gagliardi Trophy winner, D3football.com will provide updates on specific dates and times of the announcement.