St. John's linebacker Carter Hanson took home the 2016 Gagliardi Trophy.

Photo by Steve Frommell, d3photography.com

The 10 semifinalists for the 2017 Gagliardi Trophy have been announced, releasing the names on the ballot in voting for Division III football's top student-athlete. The winner will be announced in Salem, with four finalists present for the ceremony. The ceremony, on Wednesday, Dec. 13, will be aired live by D3sports.com.

Fan voting completed

Updated bracket, playoff features

Nine seniors and one junior make up the 10 semifinalists for the trophy, which is awarded by Jostens and the J-Club of Saint John's University of Minnesota.

The candidates include three quarterbacks, three running backs, two wide receivers, a linebacker and an offensive lineman.

After screening the nominations, the SJU J-Club Board of Directors narrowed the field to 10 finalists. The 40-member Gagliardi Trophy national selection committee reviews the credentials, ranks the candidates 1-10 and casts their votes. Fan balloting, which is available on D3football.com, accounts for the 41st ballot, and is being conducted on D3football.com for the eighth consecutive year. Fans will be permitted to cast one ballot per device, through 1 p.m. ET on Dec. 4.

The Gagliardi Trophy, given annually since 1993, 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 retired in 2012 with 489 career victories, the most in college football history.

In its message to the voting panel, the Gagliardi Trophy administration reminded voters: "The Gagliardi Trophy is a football award but incorporates the philosophy of the well-rounded student-athlete."