LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – DECEMBER 1: Michael Penix Jr. #9 of the Washington Huskies is on fire as he searches for an open receiver during the Pac-12 Championship game against the Oregon Ducks at Allegiant Stadium on December 1, 2023 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Brandon Sloter/Image Of Sport/Getty Images)
Brandon Sloter/Image Of Sport/Getty Images Washington quarterback Michael Penix Jr. stole the show by winning the Maxwell Award, capping off an electric night filled with honors for numerous college football players, coaches, and fans on Friday night. Other big winners include LSU’s Jayden Daniels (Davey O’Brien winner for top quarterback, Walter Camp Player of the Year), N.C. State’s Payton Wilson (Bednarik Award winner for best defensive player), Washington head coach Kalen DeBoer (Home Depot Coach of the Year), and Ohio State receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. (Biletnikoff Award for Wide Receiver of the Year).
Here’s a look at the winners and finalists for all the awards, accompanied by reactions from fans and experts in response to the most notable honors.
Maxwell Award (Player of the Year)
Winner: Michael Penix, Jr., Washington
Jayden Daniels, LSU
Bo Nix, Oregon
Chuck Bednarik Award Defensive Player of the Year
Winner: Payton Wilson, NC State
Laiatu Latu, UCLA
Dallas Turner, Alabama
Biletnikoff Award (Outstanding Receiver)
Winner: Marvin Harrison, Jr., Ohio State
Malik Nabers, LSU
Rome Odunze, Washington
Lou Groza Collegiate Place-Kicker Award (Outstanding Placekicker)
Winner: Graham Nicholson, Miami (OH)
Jose Pizano, UNLV
Will Reichard, Alabama
Ray Guy Award (Punter of the Year)
Winner: Tory Taylor, Iowa
Matthew Hayball, Vanderbilt
Alex Mastromanno, Florida State
Davey O’Brien National Quarterback Award (Best Quarterback)
Winner: Jayden Daniels, LSU
Bo Nix, Oregon
Michael Penix, Jr., Washington
Outland Trophy (Most Outstanding Interior Lineman)
Winner: T’Vondre Sweat, Texas
Joe Alt, Notre Dame
Cooper Beebe, Kansas State
Paycom Jim Thorpe Award (Best Defensive Back)
Winner: Trey Taylor, Air Force
Cooper DeJean, Iowa
Malaki Starks, Georgia
Doak Walker Award (Premier Running Back)
Winner: Ollie Gordon II, Oklahoma State
Omarion Hampton, North Carolina
Cody Schrader, Missouri
The Home Depot Coach of the Year
Winner: Kalen DeBoer (Washington)
NCFAA Contributions to College Football Award
Winner: Former Texas Tech, Washington State, and Mississippi State head coach Mike Leach
Disney Spirit Award
Winner: OL Brian Dooley, Eastern Michigan
Taco Bell Live Mas Student Section of the Year Award
Winner: Ohio State
UMass
Colorado
Tennessee
Whole list can be discovered here (INSERT LINK).
Winner: DC/DB Coach Phil Parker, Iowa
OC/QB Coach Mike Bobo, Georgia
OC/TE Coach Mike Denbrock, LSU
Interim HC/OC/OL Coach Sherrone Moore, Michigan
OC Will Stein, Oregon
Winner: RB Cody Schrader, Missouri
NG James Carpenter
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