MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. – Aug. 20, 2025 – Minnesota Football Honors and the Minnesota Chapter of the National Football Foundation are thrilled to announce this year’s Bobby Bell College Impact Player of the Year Award winners: 

Division I Bobby Bell College Impact Player of the Year: Offensive lineman Aireontae Ersery: University of Minnesota

Division II Bobby Bell College Impact Player of the Year: Offensive lineman Jake Gannon: Bemidji State University 

Division III Bobby Bell College Impact Player of the Year: Defensive back Matt Jung: Bethel University 

The Bobby Bell College Impact Player of the Year Award honors the most impactful Minnesota college football player at the Division I, II and III levels. A winner from each Division was selected by a voting committee comprised of Minnesota Chapter of the National Football Foundation board members.

“It brings us great pride seeing these three outstanding athletes represent our entire football community on the big stage. Their impactful contributions bring great joy and pride to everyone in Minnesota,” said Todd Fultz, President of the Minnesota Chapter of the National Football Foundation. “We are so thrilled to honor their excellent achievements during the upcoming Minnesota Football Honors television broadcast.”

The following parameters are considered while selecting players for the ballot: First, Second, or Third Team All-American honors, Player of the Year awards and Heisman, Harlon Hill, or John Gagliardi Trophy winners. Qualified nominations are considered as well. 

Here are snapshot biographies for each award winner: 

Division I Bobby Bell College Impact Player of the Year: Offensive lineman Aireontae Ersery: University of Minnesota

Aireontae Ersery cemented himself as one of the nation’s top offensive linemen. Ersery, a Sporting News Second Team All-American (2024), AP Third Team All-American (2024) and FWAA Second Team All-American (2024), blocked for an offense that averaged 115.6 yards per game. As a pass protector, Ersery surrendered only one sack and one quarterback hit, according to tracking by Pro Football Focus. Aireontae started 12 games at left tackle and earned the Big Ten Rimington-Pace Offensive Lineman of the Year, which honors the top offensive lineman in the Big Ten. Ersery participated in the 2025 Reese’s Senior Bowl and NFL Scouting Combine. The Kansas City native is known for his athletic traits, run game physicality and lateral quickness. Ersery was selected in the second round of the 2025 NFL Draft by the Houston Texans. He is now set to make a big impact in the National Football League during the 2025 season. 

Division II Bobby Bell College Impact Player of the Year: Offensive lineman Jake Gannon: Bemidji State 

Jake Gannon’s influence was felt across Bemidji State’s football program. Gannon, an AP First Team All-American, D2CCA Second-Team All-American, Don Hansen First-Team All-American and D2Football.com Elite 100 First-Team selection, started all 14 games at center. After suffering a season-ending injury in 2023, Gannon came back even stronger. He spearheaded an offense that finished No. 27 in rushing offense, No. 29 in sacks allowed and No. 17 in tackles for loss allowed. Gannon earned the 2024 Rimington Trophy, which is presented annually to the top centers in the FCS, DII, DIII, and NAIA divisions. The Franklin, Wisc., native is a three-time All-Northern Sun Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (NSIC) honoree and a five-time NSIC All-Academic Team member.

Division III Bobby Bell College Impact Player of the Year: Matt Jung: Bethel University 

Bethel defensive back Matt Jung was one of the nation’s most impactful and productive Division III football players. Jung, an AFCA First-Team All-American, AP First-Team All-American and D3Football.com First-Team All-American, led the nation with nine interceptions. He returned four for touchdowns, tying the Division III single-season record. Jung’s outstanding play earned him Associated Press Division III Defensive Player of the Year honors. The Neenah, Wisc., native finished the 2024 season with 109 total tackles (62 solo and 10.5 for loss), 2.5 sacks, two forced fumbles, two pass breakups and nine interceptions. He also returned 18 kickoffs for 398 yards and 25 punts for 335 yards and one touchdown. Jung announced he is transferring from Bethel to the Wisconsin Badgers for the 2025 season. 

Minnesota Football Honors is hosting a show later this summer to honor its high school, college and Minnesota Vikings award winners. Full television broadcast details will be announced soon on www.minnesotafootballhonors.com. 

To view a statewide map of past and present Minnesota Football Honors Award Winners, visit this site. 

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About the Minnesota Chapter of the National Football Foundation:

The Minnesota Chapter of The National Football Foundation and College Hall of Fame is a local non-profit organization whose mission is to promote amateur football’s ability to develop leadership, sportsmanship, competitive spirit and academic excellence in Minnesota’s young people. The Minnesota Chapter recognizes legendary football icons, college football Hall of Famers and Minnesota’s top high school and college football scholar-athletes. For more information, visit www.nffmn.org, or Facebook (@MNFootballHonors) and Twitter (@NFFMN).

Contact:

Todd Fultz, President - Minnesota Chapter of the National Football Foundation

Phone: (612)-325-5500

Media Contact:

Daniel House, Director of Media Relations and Content

Minnesota Chapter of The National Football Foundation

Email: daniel@nffmn.org