Delta State’s Cole Kirk Named GSC Top Ten Award Recipient

PENSACOLA, Fla. — Delta State University senior quarterback Cole Kirk was recognized as a Gulf South Conference Top Ten Award recipient at the GSC Commissioner’s Trophy ceremony held at the Hilton Pensacola Beach Gulf Front.

The award honors the conference’s top male and female student-athletes for their athletic, academic, and extracurricular achievements during the 2024-25 academic year. One male and one female recipient will later be announced as the overall winners of the Commissioner’s Trophy, the conference’s most prestigious individual honor, during the GSC Awards Ceremony.

The selection process involves an advisory committee comprised of athletics directors, senior woman administrators, athletic communication directors, faculty athletic representatives, and university presidents from randomly chosen GSC schools. The committee makes recommendations to the conference commissioner, who makes the final decision, according to GSC officials.

On the field, Kirk has been the starting quarterback for Delta State for three seasons. He has accumulated 5,498 total yards and 48 touchdowns in his career. He set a school record with six touchdowns in a game against Missouri S&T this season, earning national player of the week honors from d2football.com. Kirk also received preseason All-GSC honors for the 2025 season.

Off the field, Kirk maintains a perfect 4.0 GPA while completing his undergraduate degree and graduate coursework in health, physical education, and sport & human performance. His academic excellence has earned him a spot on the GSC All-Academic Team and consistent recognition on the GSC Academic Honor Roll.

After graduation, Kirk has transitioned into a career as a teacher and coach. He also is starting a family, exemplifying leadership and character in all areas of his life, according to university officials.

Source: Original Article