January 19th, 2026 11:00am
Little Rock, Ark. – January 19, 2026 – The Cliff Harris Award Presented by Wright, Lindsey & Jennings LLP and Little Rock Touchdown Club announce Justin Payoute of Ferris State University as the winner of the 2025 Cliff Harris Award in NCAA Division II.
The Ferris State University senior defensive back had a record setting senior season for the national champion Ferris State Bulldogs, who capped off an unbeaten regular season with a 16-0 record. The four-year starter has been a leader on the back end of the FSU defense, which ranked among the top nationally.
Payoute’s school record 9 interceptions led all collegiate divisions and the Bulldog’s 30 team interceptions ranked number one in the nation. He totaled 72 total tackles, including 35 solo stops, 4 tackles for losses and scored touchdowns on both an interception and fumble recovery. He was an instrumental part of the defense during Ferris State’s playoff run to the national championship. Over three consecutive games he finished with 14 tackles vs. Ashland, 2 interceptions vs. Minnesota State and 2 interceptions vs Newberry.
Payoute’s Bulldog teams have won four national championships since his arrival from Florida and averaged 13.5 wins the past five seasons. He ended his career by helping Ferris State extend their schoolrecord winning streak to 30-straight games going back to 2024. He was unanimous 1st Team AllAmerican by AFCA, Walter Camp, D2CAA and D2 Football.
The winner of the 2025 Cliff Harris Award is selected by the Cliff Harris Award selection committee and was selected among 18 finalists this season. The Cliff Harris Award recognizes the top small college defensive player in the country in NCAA Division II, NCAA Division III, and NAIA. This award highlights exceptional talent and contributions to the game by athletes who have made a significant impact on their teams. This award is generously sponsored by the firm Wright, Lindsey & Jennings LLP, one of the premiere law firms in the nation for over 100 years.
About the Cliff Harris Award: The Cliff Harris Award is an annual recognition program dedicated to celebrating exceptional defensive players in small college football. Named after NFL Hall of Famer Cliff Harris, the award acknowledges players who exhibit excellence on and off the field. The winners from each division are honored in the spring with an all expenses paid trip and VIP tour of ‘The Star’ in Frisco, TX alongside Cliff. There, they get a one of a kind behind the scenes look at the most valuable and recognizable sports franchise in the world.