JACKSON, Miss. – Millsaps football senior linebacker Zabian Boutan was announced as the Majors' 2025 Gagliardi Trophy nominee in recognition of his outstanding achievements in both academics, athletics and leadership. The announcement was made by the Millsaps College Athletics Department on Thursday.
The Gagliardi Trophy, presented by the J-Club and Stearns Bank, was first presented in 1993 and has become the premier individual award in Division III football, honoring excellence in athletics, academics and community service.
The award is named for John Gagliardi, head football coach of Carroll College (1949-52) and Saint John's University (1953-2012). Gagliardi holds the NCAA Division III football record with most wins with 489.
During the 2025 season, Boutan, the Baton Rouge, La., native appeared in all 10 games and made nine starts while making All-SAA Second Team.
On Nov. 15, Boutan had an outstanding game against Sewanee, recording 2.5 TFLs, two sacks, two quarterback pressures and five total tackles, helping the Majors secure a 34-20 victory on Senior Day.
Millsaps head football coach Brandon Lechtenberg said, "As both a leader on and off the field, Zabian has consistently demonstrated the work ethic, discipline, and competitive drive that define true excellence in collegiate athletics."
He finished second in the conference with six total sacks, as well as with 13 TFLs, ranked 10th with 54 total tackles, 11th with 25 assisted tackles and 12th with 29 solo tackles for the season.
"Equally impressive is Zabian's dedication in the classroom," Lechtenberg added. "Maintaining a 3.05 GPA while balancing the rigorous demands of collegiate football is a testament to his discipline and time-management skills. Set to graduate in May 2026, Zabian exemplifies what it means to be a true student-athlete—someone who pursues excellence in every arena.
Zabian is a leader with great character being nominated by his teammates as a captain this past year. He is respected by teammates, coaches, and faculty for his humility, resilience, and commitment to the team. His influence extends far beyond the field, helping foster a culture of accountability and hard work within our program."
Boutan is majoring in Communication Studies and plans to attend graduate school after completing his undergraduate degree.
To keep up to date with everything surrounding the football program this year follow the Majors on X and Instagram, like Millsaps Majors Athletics on Facebook or visit gomajors.com.
Founded in Jackson, Mississippi in 1890, Millsaps College is a national liberal arts college dedicated to academic excellence, open inquiry and free expression, the exploration of faith to inform vocation and the innovative shaping of the social, economic and cultural progress of our region. Consistently ranked as one of the best values in higher education, Millsaps has been praised by Colleges That Change Lives, The Princeton Review, Forbes Magazine, U.S. News & World Report, The John Templeton Foundation, and The Fiske Guide to Colleges.
