Outside of the Heisman Trophy, the Maxwell Award is regarded as the most prestigious individual award in college football. Often, the finalists for the Maxwell and Heisman overlap. This year, it looks like we are headed for the same, with most of the favorites on for the Heisman also on the list of a baker’s dozen semifinalists for the Maxwell.
To make up the 13-man list from 12 schools, the Maxwell Football Club again partnered with Pro Football Focus (PFF) and Phil Steele as selection committee partners. The Big Ten leads the way with half a dozen honorrees, followed by five from the SEC, one from the ACC, and one from Notre Dame.
Big Ten Leads The Way With Six Maxwell Award Semifinalists
Emmett Johnson, RB, Nebraska
Just one of two running backs in the field, Emmett Johnson has been the star of the Nebraska offense this year. He had to wait his turn after two seasons in the rotation. In 2023 and 2024, Johnson accounted for a total of 1,009 yards and three touchdowns. This year, he’s more than doubled that.
In 10 games as the Huskers’ lead back, Johnson has broken out with 1,131 yards and 11 touchdowns. He leads the way in the Big Ten in both rushes and yards, all while leading the nation with 239 offensive touches. He’s a multi-faceted back, also hauling in 36 passes for 300 yards and three touchdowns.
Makai Lemon, WR, USC
One of the biggest breakouts in the Big Ten at receiver has been USC’s Makai Lemon. Last year, he was solid as the Trojans’ number-two option. This year, he took over.
In nine games, Lemon has recorded 61 receptions for a Big Ten-leading 937 yards and seven touchdowns. As one of the better receivers who could be in next year’s NFL Draft class, Lemon has been a revelation for Lincoln Riley’s offense. He is coming off a game in which he dominated with 11 catches, 161 yards, and a touchdown in the win over Northwestern.
Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana
After a come-from-behind win featuring what could be the play of the year, Fernando Mendoza retook the lead in the Last Word on College Football Heisman poll. Considering how well he’s played for the 10-0 Indiana Hoosiers, it only makes sense.
After quarterbacking the Cal Golden Bears over the last two seasons, Mendoza hopped into the transfer portal to join the Hoosiers. One thing is for sure, these ain’t your daddy’s Hoosiers.
Mendoza has thrown for 2,342 yards in 10 games while completing 71.3% of his passes. The most impressive part is the fact that he currently leads the nation with 26 touchdowns.
Mendoza is the only Big Ten quarterback on the Johnny Unitas Award semifinalist list. A trip to New York for the Heisman Trophy ceremony is likely in his future as well.
Dante Moore, QB, Oregon
One of the most highly-touted recruits, Dante Moore, flamed out at UCLA. As a result, he transferred to Oregon to learn for a year before taking over. Finally, Moore has begun to play as he was expected to.
In nine games, the Oregon quarterback has completed 70.5% of his passes for 1,884 yards and 19 touchdowns. He’s shown flashes of greatness as well as inexperience.
Julian Sayin, QB, Ohio State
While he lost the top spot in our Heisman rankings, Julian Sayin currently sits with the best odds to take home the hardware according to Vegas. As the quarterback of the reigning 9-0 champions, Sayin is in prime territory to start stocking up on awards.
As a redshirt freshman, Sayin had to get used to the speed of college football. Now that he’s acclimated, the training wheels are off and Sayin has begun to show what he can do. His pinpoint accuracy and deep ball abilities have led the Buckeyes and have been how Ohio State has been able to shorten games.
Sayin has thrown for 2,491 yards and 24 touchdowns in nine games. His 80.9% completion percentage is on pace to break the all-time single-season mark.
Sayin was also named a Shaun Alexander Freshman of the Year semifinalist.
Jeremiah Smith, WR, Ohio State
The other Heisman Trophy candidate on the Ohio State offense, Jeremiah Smith, has not had a sophomore slump after taking the country by storm last year. After leading the Big Ten in yards and touchdowns, Smith is headed for uncharted territory.
This year, Smith has hauled in 65 passes for 862 yards and 10 scores. He leads the way in the conference in catches and touchdowns.
For reference, if Smith keeps up his current pace and the Buckeyes get to play 16 games, he will finish with 180 receptions for 2,787 yards and 32 touchdowns in his career. The current records for Ohio State are 205 catches, 2,868 yards, and 35 touchdowns. Emeka Egbuka and Chris Olave played much more than Smith did, and he has a legitimate shot to own those career records before he even kicks off his junior season.
The Rest
- Trinidad Chambliss, QB, Ole Miss
- Haynes King, QB, Georgia Tech
- Jeremiyah Love, RB, Notre Dame
- Diego Pavia, QB, Vanderbilt
- Marcel Reed, QB, Texas A&M
- Ty Simpson, QB, Alabama
- Gunner Stockton, QB, Georgia
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