ESPN Reveals Finalists for 35th Annual College Football Awards

The National College Football Awards Association (NCFAA) has announced the finalists for the upcoming 35th Annual College Football Awards. This prestigious event will be broadcasted live by ESPN on December 12 from 7-9 p.m. ET.

Hosted by Kevin Negandhi, Molly McGrath, and Booger McFarland, the awards ceremony will take place in Bristol, Connecticut. ESPN reporter Jen Lada will be in New York City conducting interviews ahead of the 91st Heisman Trophy Presentation.

Finalists for Major Awards

The finalists for various awards have been revealed. Here are the key categories and their respective nominees:

Chuck Bednarik Award

• Caleb Downs, Ohio State
• Cashius Howell, Texas A&M
• Jacob Rodriguez, Texas Tech

Biletnikoff Award

• Skyler Bell, UConn
• Makai Lemon, USC
• Jeremiah Smith, Ohio State

Lou Groza Collegiate Place-Kicker Award

• Aidan Birr, Georgia Tech
• Kansei Matsuzawa, Hawaii
• Tate Sandell, Oklahoma

Ray Guy Award

• Brett Thorson, Georgia
• Evan Crenshaw, Troy
• Palmer Williams, Baylor

Maxwell Award

• Jeremiyah Love, Notre Dame
• Fernando Mendoza, Indiana
• Julian Sayin, Ohio State

Davey O’Brien National Quarterback Award

• Fernando Mendoza, Indiana
• Marcel Reed, Texas A&M
• Julian Sayin, Ohio State

Outland Trophy

• Spencer Fano, Utah
• Logan Jones, Iowa
• Kayden McDonald, Ohio State

Paycom Jim Thorpe Award

• Mansoor Delane, LSU
• Caleb Downs, Ohio State
• Leonard Moore, Notre Dame

Doak Walker Award

• Ahmad Hardy, Missouri
• Kewan Lacy, Ole Miss
• Jeremiyah Love, Notre Dame

Additional Honors

In addition to these major awards, several other honors will be presented during the ceremony:

• The Home Depot Coach of the Year
• NCFAA Contributions to College Football Award
• Disney Spirit Award
• Walter Camp All-America Team
• The Buddy Teevens Award
• The Allstate AFCA Good Works Team
• William V. Campbell Trophy
• John Mackey Award
• Rimington Trophy
• Wuerffel Trophy
• Burlsworth Trophy
• Butkus Award
• Nagurski Trophy

This year’s awards promise to be an exciting highlight in the college football calendar, celebrating the outstanding talents and contributions within the sport.