North Central College’s Aidan Ellison Named 2025 Fred Mitchell Award Winner

The Fred Mitchell Award is proud to announce Aidan Ellison, senior place-kicker from North Central College, as the 2025 recipient of the prestigious national honor recognizing the top non-FBS kicker in America for excellence on the field and in community service.

Ellison emerged from a pool of more than 750 eligible kickers across FCS, Division II, Division III, and NAIA programs, earning the top spot through a season defined by elite accuracy, big-leg range, and proven leadership. He becomes only the second Division III kicker in the history of the award to earn the top honor.

Ellison delivered one of the most impressive seasons in Division III history, finishing 13-for-14 on field goals (92%). His only miss of the year came from a 56-yard attempt, showcasing both his reliability and his confidence from long distance.

Aidan Ellison, 2025 Fred Mitchell Award winner.

Among his standout achievements:

• Perfect 5-for-5 on field goals from 40–49 yards
• 3-for-4 on field goals of 50+ yards, including a season-long 57-yard bomb
• 34 touchbacks on 79 kickoffs, demonstrating strength and control in the kicking game

FGM-FGA: 13-14, PCT: 93%, i20: 0-0, 20-29: 3-3, 30-39: 2-2, 40-49: 5-5, 50+: 3-4, LG: 57, BLK: 0

In addition to his on-field excellence, Ellison distinguished himself through his leadership, character, and community involvement—qualities that stand at the heart of the Fred Mitchell Award. Throughout the season, he consistently demonstrated a commitment to service, discipline, and teamwork, earning the full admiration of the Award Selection Committee.

“Exceptional kickers emerge from all levels of college football, and the annual mission of our Selection Committee is to ensure they are celebrated,” said Fred Mitchell. “Aidan Ellison’s statistics jump off the page when it comes to field goal distances and accuracy. In addition, his dedication to community service is exemplary. He is just the second Division III kicker to win our award, joining Jeff Schebler of Wisconsin-Whitewater in 2009. The 2025 finalists for our award are all incredibly skilled and worthy of our detailed attention.”

Ellison will be honored at the National Football Foundation Chicago Metro Chapter Awards Ceremony on February 16, 2026, held at the Chicago Bears’ Halas Hall. The annual ceremony celebrates excellence across all levels of football and recognizes leaders on and off the field.