TAHLEQUAH, Okla. -- Northeastern State football will have three representatives in the national spotlight as quarterback Donnie Smith, defensive back Marvelous Owens and head coach Darrin Chiaverini have been nominated for the 2026 D2 CFB Spotlight Awards.

The nominations recognize contributions from three different areas of the RiverHawks program, which has experienced a significant resurgence under Chiaverini's leadership.

Owens, a senior defensive back from Chico, California, established himself as one of the most productive defensive players in Northeastern State history during the 2025 season.

Owens earned first-team All-American honors from the Division II Conference Commissioners Association and College Football Network after recording 46 tackles, seven interceptions and 11 pass breakups in 12 games.

His seven interceptions were the most by a Northeastern State player in a season since 1988, while his 11 pass breakups marked the program's highest total since 2019. He also became the first NSU player since 2008 to record an interception in four consecutive games.

Owens continued to make an impact in 2026, delivering one of the biggest plays in Northeastern State's 31-20 road victory over McKendree. His game-sealing interception helped secure the victory for the RiverHawks.

Smith has also been a major contributor to Northeastern State's success. The senior quarterback put together a record-setting season in 2025, establishing program records in passing production and efficiency.

Smith completed 231 passes and finished with a 71.8% completion percentage, both school records. He also became the first quarterback in program history to surpass 3,000 passing yards in a season.

In the inaugural First Americans Bowl, Smith threw for 406 yards and five touchdowns against East Central, setting program records for a postseason game.

Chiaverini's nomination highlights his role in transforming Northeastern State football into one of the more productive programs in the region.

In his second season leading the RiverHawks, Chiaverini guided NSU to a 9-3 record in 2025 and the inaugural First Americans Bowl championship. The nine victories marked the program's most successful season since 2000 and represented one of the largest year-to-year improvements in school history.

Under Chiaverini, Northeastern State established school records for points scored (483), touchdowns (65) and points per game (40.3) in 2025. The RiverHawks averaged 441.5 yards of total offense per game while producing 3,422 passing yards and 1,876 rushing yards.

The defense also made significant strides, allowing 18.5 points per game and setting a school record with 22 interceptions.

The season earned Chiaverini additional national recognition. College Football Network selected him as its Division II Coach of the Year on Jan. 2, 2026.

Beyond his work on the field, Chiaverini is a co-author of the book Champions Think Differently, which focuses on the mindset and principles associated with championship performance.

The three nominations give Northeastern State representation among the players and coaches receiving recognition through D2 CFB Spotlight.

Fans can support the RiverHawks nominees through the organization's online voting process. Voting is open to the public, with participants able to sign in using an X or Google account.

Finalists are scheduled to be announced Nov. 16, with subsequent voting among finalists limited to GOLD supporters of D2 CFB Spotlight.

Fans can cast their votes at https://d2spotlight.com/voting.