It’s hard to believe that the college football regular season has already come to a close. It seems like just last week we were preparing for a full seasons worth of games. And now we are here preparing ourselves for three weeks worth of bowl games. But before we get to bowl-season, there is one order of business the college football world needs to settle. The college football awards, and most importantly the Heisman Trophy.
As you might remember, in the beginning of the season we did an article covering some of the higher profile candidates, and like I told you, most of the players you expected aren’t even sniffing the ceremony.
I am going to cover and predict the winners of 11 major college football awards (sorry Ray Guy, but I just don’t care enough about punters) being handed out on December 9th. There’s a few slam dunks and a few up for grabs. But like most years it should be must watch television, for any fan wanting to celebrate the young men who make our Saturdays exciting.
Lou Groza Award
The Lou Groza award celebrates the nations top place kicker on a yearly basis. Past recipients include Martin Gramatica, Matt Gay, Rodrigo Blankenship and yes…. Former 1st round pick Sebastian Janikowski (R.I.P Al Davis Sunday’s aren’t the same without you)
The Finalists
Gabe Brkic, Oklahoma
Jake Moody, Michigan
Noah Ruggles, Ohio State
Projected Winner
Jake Moody, Michigan
Moody was automatic this season, converting 22 of his 24 field goal attempts for the Wolverines during their playoff run. Converting 92% of your field goals on a team headed for the playoffs is a pretty easy way to get the recognition of the voters. He may not have the booming leg of Brkic, but his percentages mixed with his teams success should put him in the drivers seat.
Outland Trophy
The Outland award is given yearly to the nations top interior lineman on either side of the ball. Now when I think interior lineman I think about guards, centers and defensive tackles; but offensive tackles are also eligible for the award. To be precise the offensive tackle position has taken home 5 of the last 10 Outland Trophies. But this year I have a feeling it will be a tackle on the other side of the ball winning the award.
The Finalists
Jordan Davis, DT, Georgia
Tyler Linderbaum, C, Iowa
Ikem Ekwonu, OT, North Carolina State
Projected Winner
Jordan Davis
Jordan Davis has been a man amongst boys from the beginning of the season. Coming in at 6’6 340lbs, this walking mountain is the straw that stirs the drink for Georgia’s prolific defense. While he has only registered 14 total tackles and 2 sacks, his impact is not reflected in the stat sheet. A true space eater that clogs lanes like your wife’s hair clogs drains.
His footwork, hand fighting technique and raw power make him an irreplaceable fixture in the Bulldogs front seven. His presence alone calls for two blockers, allowing those linebackers to have free space to flow to the ball. Jordan Davis will be hoping to bring home the biggest prize of all this January, and have that translate into him being a top 15 selection in this years NFL draft.
John Mackey Award
The John Mackey award is handed out to the nations top tight end. While the position has evolved over the years from being primarily a 6th blocker into a 2nd receiver, being well rounded in both blocking and pass catching always scores well with the voters.
Winning the Mackey award is normally a good indication of success at the next level of football. 3 of the past 4 winners of the award are among the elite tight ends in the NFL (TJ Hockenson, Kyle Pitts and Mark Andrews). Odds are the young man taking home this trophy will be making an impact for an NFL team in the coming years.
The Finalists
Trey McBride, Colorado State
Jalen Wydermyer, Texas A&M
Charlie Kolar, Iowa State
Projected Winner
Charlie Kolar, Iowa State
While I, like most of the college football world, is outraged that Isaiah Likely was snubbed from the list of finalists all together; Kolar is a very deserving candidate.
Coming into this year most pundits had Wydermyer waltzing to this award at years end, but his production was well below what was expected of him. Trey McBride posted more receptions and had more yards, but only had one touchdown against inferior competition.
That leaves Charlie Kolar as my pick to take home the trophy. Playing against stiff BIG12 competitors, Kolar put up a strong 723 yards and 5 trips to the end zone on 58 receptions. His 12 reception, 128 yard day against a very good Oklahoma defense matched with his steady production, really vaulted him to the top of my list.
Rimington Trophy
The Rinington Trophy gets overlooked by the Outland trophy due to it being an award exclusively for centers. But as a man who appreciates and loves the trenches, I know that centers are the unsung hero’s of the offense. The skill it takes to not only snap the ball and protect the QB, but also call out the defense and adjust the protection accordingly, is so under appreciated.
The Finalists
Tyler Linderbaum, Iowa
Alec Lindstrom, Boston College
Olusegun Oluwatimi, Virginia
Projected Winner
Tyler Linderbaum
Tyler Linderbaum has been nothing short of a revelation this season. He was projected as a top 3 center prospect last season but decided to return to school, that decisions has paid major dividends.
He has been absolutely dominant in anchoring the Iowa offensive line. He displays everything you would want in a center. He is truly an extension of the quarterback, reacting and adjusting to what he sees in front of him. The fact that he came to Iowa as a defensive tackle and has excelled at one of the hardest positions in football should show you his work ethic and football IQ. His hands are like meat hooks, once they latch onto you it’s nearly impossible to disengage. He is phenomenal in both passing sets and run blocking. There’s a reason he’s getting top 15 buzz as a center.
Jim Thorpe Award
The Jim Thorpe Award is named after one of the pioneers of the game and goes to the best defensive back in the nation. The illustrious history of award winners include Hall of Fame corners Deion Sanders and Charles Woodson, patron Saint of Philadelphia Malcolm Jenkins and future Hall of Fame inductee Patrick Peterson.
While Derek Stingley Jr. and Kyle Hamilton have gotten all the love in regards to draft projections, this group of young men have balled out this season and are very deserving of the recognition.
The Finalists
Coby Bryant, CB, Cincinnati
Verone McKinley III, S, Oregon
Jalen Pitre, CB, Baylor
Projected Winner
Verone McKinley III
With all due respect to Pitre, this is a two man race between McKinley and Bryant. Both of them have been exceptional this season, making opposing QBs hesitate when looking their way.
While Bryant has played excellent this year as part of the beat corner duo in college football, this came down to one stat, turnovers. McKinley not only holds the edge in the turnover category, 7 to Bryant’s 5; but two of his turnovers came against Ohio State and Heisman finalist CJ Stroud. McKinley was a man possessed that day tallying 6 tackles, 2 pass breakups, a forced fumble and an interception.
This was one of the harder predictions to make, my decision coming down to a figurative coin flip. Either one of these young men could very well make a case for the Thorpe.
Biletnikoff Award
The list of Biletnikoff Award winning wide receivers is a who’s who of future NFL Pro-Bowlers. The great Randy Moss and Larry Fitzgerald both took home the award before starting their gold jacket worthy careers. 17 of the last 19 winners were selected within the first two rounds of them of the NFL draft.
While this years nominees may not have the same big time name recognition as other years, it doesn’t make this group any less talented. It’s not shocking that 2 of the 3 nominees had the benefit of having a Heisman finalist throwing them the ball, that is not to devalue the group, chances are that all three of these young men will hear their names called in the near future.
The Nominees
Jameson Williams, Alabama
David Bell, Purdue
Jordan Addison, Pitt
Projected Winner
Jordan Addison
This may come as a bit of an upset. When you see the words Alabama and Wide Receiver next to one another, you automatically assume you’re seeing the clear cut winner. Jameson Williams has been fantastic this season, but Jordan Addison has somehow been better.
Kenny Picketts favorite target caught 93 balls for 1,479 yards and 17 touchdowns good for 16 yards per reception. He propelled Pitt into a top 5 offense which translated to an ACC title and a berth in the Peach Bowl.
Doak Walker Award
The Doak Walker Award is handed out yearly to the best college football running back. While the running back position has seemingly been devalued in the pro game, run first offenses are still quite common in the NCAA. Past winners include Derrick Henry and Johnathan Taylor, arguably the two best running backs currently in the NFL. As well as NFL legends Ricky Williams, Eddie George and Ladanian Tomlinson.
The Finalists
Kenneth Walker III, Michigan State
Breece Hall, Iowa State
Tyler Badie, Missouri
Projected Winner
Kenneth Walker III
The stats would show you that this should be a very close race. All three of the finalists put their teams on their backs throughout the season. But Kenneth Walker is a cut above the competition.
A Michigan State team that was a BIG10 bottom dweller with a 2-5 record, transformed into a two loss, top 10 squad. Walker transferring in from Wake Forest changed the entire dynamic of the Spartans offense. He was the engine of that offense, going as far as his legs would take them.
Walker contributed over 1,600 yards and 18 touchdowns on the ground on 263 carries, good for 6.2 yards per attempt. He is also an excellent pass catcher, while it doesn’t show in the stats, he is a reliable outlet for the QB. What makes him so special is his ability to break one free when he enters the 2nd level. His combination of burst, quickness and power makes him a nightmare to tackle in the open field and it showed all year long
Davey O’Brien Award
The Davey O’Brien Award is handed out to the most outstanding quarterback in college. It’s an award that is based on leadership, statistics output and the most important stat of all; wins.
Since 2008 the Davey O’Brien winner has been the first overall draft pick six times, and every winner with the exception of Colt McCoy was drafted in the first round. It is a pretty good barometer of who will be amongst the best in their class at the position.
The Finalists
Kenny Pickett, Pitt
Bryce Young, Alabama
CJ Stroud, Ohio State
Projected Winner
Bryce Young
I have a funny feeling Bryce Young is going to be taking home a lot of hardware by the end of the night. He has been a phenom, living up to every bit of the preseason hype. Some would say he has actually exceeded the hype.
Bryce Young finished the regular season in the top five in passing yards, passing touchdowns and QBR. He completed 68% of his passes and had a ridiculous 11:1 touchdown to interception ratio. And just to put a cherry on top of those monster stats, he also ran for 3 scores bringing his total for the year to 46 touchdowns.
The crazy thing is, he did all of this as a sophomore. If he was eligible he would undoubtedly be the #1 pick in this years draft. But he will be returning to Tuscaloosa next season, and I have a feeling he will be returning to claim another Davey O’Brien award as well.
Chuck Bednarik Award
The Bednarik award exemplifies the man it’s named after. “Concrete” Charlie, is the stuff of legends growing up as a kid in Philadelphia. Hearing stories about his on field exploits from my grandfather and watching old highlights makes me long to hop in a time machine and watch him play live.
While I’m in protest of Aidan Hutchinson’s glaring omission (we will see him soon), this group of finalists all have the potential to make their mark on the game at the next level in the same way that Bednarik did. These three young men could be filling out the NFL All-Pro teams in a few years time.
The Finalists
Kyle Hamilton, Safety, Notre Dame
Kayvon Thibodeaux, Edge, Oregon
Will Anderson Jr, Edge, Alabama
Projected Winner
Will Anderson Jr.
It doesn’t come as much of a shock that the nations sack leader, playing for the number one ranked team is the guy taking this home. While Georgia’s team defense was getting all the love in the SEC, the Crimson Tide was home to the conferences best defender.
Will Anderson Jr. was another true sophomore with high expectations. After contributing 7 sacks to the Tide last year during their national title run, everyone expected Anderson to make a leap. I don’t know if anyone expected this type of leap though.
It didn’t take him very long to put the nation on notice, totaling 9 tackles and 2 sacks in Alabama’s opener against a Miami team with high hopes in the preseason. He continued his torrid pace throughout the season racking up 91 total tackles and a NCAA leading 15.5 sacks. There’s a strong chance that Alabama will have the top two picks in the 2023 NFL draft with Anderson and Bryce Young.
Maxwell Award
The Maxwell Award goes to the most outstanding college player of the year. I refer to it as the baby Heisman Trophy. Six of the last seven Maxwell winners have also went on to win the Heisman. As is tradition, two of this years finalists are also finalists for the Davey O’Brien and Heisman Trophy.
It is the second most prestigious award in the world of college football. Winners include Peyton Manning, Barry Sanders, Drew Brees and Tony Dorsett. The list of Maxwell winners with gold jackets could be an article in itself.
There have only been six non quarterbacks to win the award in the last thirty years. This year will likely add to the tally of quarterback wins, but a certain running back from East Lansing may be able to steal one for the non-QBs.
The Finalists
Kenny Pickett, QB, Pittsburgh
Kenneth Walker III, RB, Michigan State
Bryce Young, QB, Alabama
Projected Winner
Bryce Young, Alabama
Bryce Young was the model of consistency all year. Trying to follow up a standout season by Mac Jones, and dealing with the loss of Jaylen Waddle, Devonta Smith, Najee Harris and a chunk of the offensive line. Bryce had a lot on his shoulders. Saying he rose to occasion would be an understatement.
I already covered his statistical production, he was the maestro for Alabama’s offense. With Young under center the Tide averaged nearly 500 yards of offense per game and 6.7 yards per play. His arm talent is rare, his poise even more so. He deserves every award and honor he gets this year.
The Heisman Trophy
Now it’s time for the big one. The one you have been waiting on. The one you care so much about, that reading about the Lou Groza award was worth it. The bronze trophy that brings immortality (unless you’re Reggie Bush) and a guaranteed spot in the Heisman House commercials.
Year after year the college football world makes predictions as to who will take home the award. Watching every “Heisman moment”, comparing big time wins and big time performances, weighing the merit of team success against individual success. We did a whole article on just the Vegas betting lines.
Only two players with 20/1 odds or better will be in the running for the award. Two of the players came out of nowhere to add their names to this elite distinction. Only one young man will etch his name in the annals of college football history.
The Finalists
Bryce Young, QB, Alabama
Aidan Hutchinson, Edge, Michigan
Kenny Pickett, QB, Pittsburgh
CJ Stroud, QB, Ohio State
Projected Winner
Bryce Young, Alabama
This should come as a surprise to nobody. The best quarterback in the country this year, on the top ranked team will be taking home the Heisman. If I rambled on about his stats, leadership, playmaking ability, and poise; it would just be redundant.
It was a pretty close race overall until championship weekend.
Kenny Pickett had one of the coolest plays you’ll ever see.
Aidan Hutchinson dismantled the Ohio State offense single handedly, giving Michigan a birth in the playoffs and beating the Buckeyes for the first time under Jim Harbaugh.
But of course Bryce Young saved his best for last, knocking off the top rated Georgia Bulldogs. He made the vaunted Georgia defense look average at best, throwing for 420 yards and three touchdowns, while also adding 40 yards and a touchdown on the ground. When the clock hit zero, Alabama retook the top spot in the CFP rankings and he locked up this Heisman.