College football awards represent far more than end-of-season trophies—they are symbols of excellence, tradition, and the evolving identity of the sport itself. Since the first Heisman Trophy was presented in 1935, the awards ecosystem has expanded into a network of more than 25 major national honors, plus dozens of conference and subdivision trophies. From the historic prestige of the Heisman to modern honors recognizing community service, academic achievement, and emerging roles on both sides of the ball, these awards form a complete system that celebrates every corner of the game.
Today, NCAA college football awards culture is bigger, more diverse, and more influential than ever before. Heisman winners routinely become top NFL Draft picks, and programs with long award histories—such as Alabama, Ohio State, USC, Oklahoma, and Notre Dame—use those legacies as powerful recruiting tools. Between 2020 and 2024, for example, Alabama players alone collected multiple major awards, including the Heisman, Maxwell, Walter Camp, Doak Walker, and Biletnikoff. These awards shape player reputations long before they ever enter the NFL Draft conversation.
NCAA Major National Awards
College football awards can be grouped into several major categories reflecting the sport’s wide-ranging performance metrics and values. The National College Football Awards Association (NCFAA), founded in the early 2000s to coordinate major trophies, currently oversees 25 nationally recognized awards, each representing a specific facet of excellence.
Primary Award Categories
| Category | What It Recognizes | Notable Awards |
| Overall Player of the Year | Best player nationally, regardless of position | Heisman Trophy, Maxwell Award, Walter Camp Award |
| Offensive Positions | Achievement at QB, RB, WR, TE, OL, K | Davey O’Brien, Doak Walker, Biletnikoff, Mackey, Rimington, Groza |
| Defensive Positions | Best defensive performers at each level | Bednarik, Nagurski, Butkus, Thorpe, Hendricks |
| Line Play | Interior excellence and trench dominance | Outland Trophy, Lombardi Award |
| Versatility & Special Impact | Multi-faceted contributions | Paul Hornung Award, Lott IMPACT Trophy |
| Coaching & Staff | Top head coaches and coordinators | Home Depot Coach of the Year, Broyles Award |
| Academic & Character | Leadership, GPA, service | Campbell Trophy, Wuerffel Trophy, Disney Spirit Award |
Together, these awards showcase a sport that values not only athletic ability but also leadership, integrity, resilience, and community engagement. Since the Outland Trophy’s introduction in 1946 and the Lombardi Award’s debut in 1970, linemen and defensive players have gradually gained more visibility in a landscape once dominated almost entirely by offensive skill positions.
The Heisman Trophy
No award carries more prestige—or scrutiny—than the Heisman Trophy. First awarded in 1935 and renamed in 1936 to honor coach and innovator John W. Heisman, the trophy has become synonymous with college football greatness. As of the 2024 season, there have been 90+ Heisman Trophy presentations, with a heavy skew toward offensive players—particularly quarterbacks.
Historically, quarterbacks have won over 40 Heismans, with an especially dominant stretch in the 21st century: from 2000 to 2024, only a handful of non-quarterbacks (such as Mark Ingram in 2009, Derrick Henry in 2015, DeVonta Smith in 2020, and Travis Hunter in 2024) have broken that trend. Schools like USC (8 winners), Ohio State (7), Oklahoma (7), and Notre Dame (7) sit atop the all-time leaderboard, while Archie Griffin (Ohio State) remains the only two-time winner, taking home the trophy in 1974 and 1975.
Why the Heisman Matters
- It is widely regarded as the most recognized individual trophy in American team sports.
- Heisman winners often become first-round draft picks or long-term NFL starters; recent winners like Joe Burrow (2019), Kyler Murray (2018), Bryce Young (2021), and Jayden Daniels (2023) illustrate this pipeline.
- The award captures national attention and becomes a defining moment for each college football season, with the ceremony traditionally held in early December in New York City.
Recent years have seen the Heisman shift from purely quarterback dominance to occasional standout wide receivers and even elite two-way athletes. DeVonta Smith’s 2020 season (98 receptions, 1,511 yards, 23 total touchdowns) and Travis Hunter’s 2024 two-way campaign (over 90 receptions plus multiple interceptions and double-digit passes defended) reflect a growing appreciation for versatility and all-around impact.
Throughout the BCS era, standout Heisman campaigns often coincided with teams climbing the BCS Rankings, which amplified national attention and shaped season-long narratives.
Player of the Year Awards
Although often grouped together under the umbrella of “Player of the Year,” the Heisman Trophy, Maxwell Award, and Walter Camp Award have distinct histories and voting philosophies. It is common for one player to sweep all three in a dominant year—DeVonta Smith (2020), Caleb Williams (2022), and several others have done so—but it is not guaranteed.
In many seasons, the players who sweep these major awards are also leading contenders on undefeated national championship teams, as seen in our breakdown of modern undefeated college football teams and their perfect records.
Comparison of the Three Major Player Awards
| Award | Established | Voters | What It Values Most |
| Heisman Trophy | 1935 | Media, former winners, one fan ballot | Most outstanding player; narrative-driven impact |
| Maxwell Award | 1937 | Coaches, sportswriters, Maxwell Club members | Best all-around player; balanced evaluation |
| Walter Camp Award | 1967 | FBS coaches & SIDs | Player of the year based on on-field results |
While Heisman voting is deeply influenced by storylines and standout statistical performances—such as Joe Burrow’s record 5,671 total yards and 60 passing TDs in 2019—the Maxwell and Walter Camp Awards often reward consistency, leadership, and impact beyond headline moments. From 2020 to 2023, at least one major award each year went to a player outside the traditional powerhouse schools, underscoring a broader, more nationalized view of excellence.
Offensive Position Awards
College football has become increasingly offensive-oriented, especially since the early 2000s spread offense boom, and the sport’s award structure reflects this reality. Quarterbacks, running backs, and wide receivers often dominate headlines, and their national awards carry major prestige. Since the Davey O’Brien Award became quarterback-only in 1981, the vast majority of its winners have played in pass-heavy systems, with recent winners often surpassing 4,000 passing yards and 30–40 touchdowns in a season.
Key Offensive Awards and What They Measure
| Position | Award | Core Criteria |
| Quarterback | Davey O’Brien Award | Accuracy, efficiency (often 65–70%+ completion), leadership, big-game performance |
| Running Back | Doak Walker Award | Rushing production (typically 1,400+ yards), versatility, durability |
| Receiver | Biletnikoff Award | Route running, hands, yards, scoring; usually 1,200+ receiving yards |
| Tight End | John Mackey Award | Blocking + receiving excellence; impact in both run and pass game |
| Center | Rimington Trophy | Interior dominance, technique, consistency; few penalties, strong grading |
| Kicker | Lou Groza Award | Field goal accuracy (often 85–90%+), range, performance under pressure |
The modern era has also highlighted transfer quarterbacks and all-purpose backs. Between 2020 and 2024, several Davey O’Brien finalists and winners were transfer QBs, while recent Doak Walker winners have regularly surpassed 1,500 rushing yards and double-digit touchdowns. Receivers honored with the Biletnikoff Award routinely post 80+ catches and 1,300+ yards, reflecting the explosive passing attacks common in today’s game.
Defensive Position Awards
Defense still wins championships, even in an offensive-heavy era. Award committees have expanded their criteria to recognize disruptive playmakers, shutdown specialists, and leaders who anchor complex defensive schemes. Since the Bronko Nagurski Trophy’s inception in 1993 and the Butkus Award’s establishment in 1985, front-seven defenders have had clearer pathways to national recognition.
The Most Influential Defensive Awards
- Chuck Bednarik Award — Defensive Player of the Year (Maxwell Club), established 1995
- Bronko Nagurski Trophy — Defensive Player of the Year (FWAA version), established 1993
- Butkus Award — Top linebacker, established 1985
- Jim Thorpe Award — Best defensive back, established 1986
- Ted Hendricks Award — Best defensive end, established 2002
- Lott IMPACT Trophy — Defense + character + leadership, established 2004
These awards emphasize not only production—tackles, sacks, interceptions—but also versatility, instincts, and game-changing influence. Recent star defenders like Will Anderson Jr. (Alabama, early 2020s) posted back-to-back seasons with 15+ sacks and 30+ tackles for loss, while also collecting multiple national awards. As offensive numbers have exploded, voters have become more reliant on advanced analytics (pressure rate, coverage grade, havoc plays) to compare defenders across positions and conferences.
Line Play Awards
Interior line play is arguably the least glamorous aspect of football, yet it is indispensable. Awards like the Outland Trophy (first awarded in 1946) and the Lombardi Award (created in 1970) place a long-overdue spotlight on linemen who create running lanes, protect quarterbacks, and dominate the trenches. Historically, these awards helped introduce casual fans to names like Rich Glover (Nebraska, 1970s) and Orlando Pace (Ohio State, 1990s) before they became NFL stars.
Because linemen often have fewer visible statistics, voters rely heavily on:
- Film evaluation and coaching feedback
- Penalty counts and pressure-allowed metrics
- Run-blocking grades and success rate
- Consistency over a full season (12–15 games)
As analytics continue to penetrate college football, offensive and defensive linemen are receiving more recognition than ever before. In the 2020–2024 window, multiple linemen earned both All-American status and national line awards while anchoring playoff-caliber offenses and defenses.
Specialized Awards
The modern era celebrates roles that were once overshadowed, especially versatility and special teams.
Paul Hornung Award
Established in 2010, this award recognizes the sport’s most versatile athlete—returners, two-way players, and multi-position contributors. Recent winners have often logged snap counts on offense, defense, and special teams, frequently surpassing 1,500 all-purpose yards or combining explosive offensive numbers with defensive impact. Back-to-back winners in the 2020s have underscored how valuable multipurpose players have become in modern schemes.
Ray Guy Award
First awarded in 2000, the Ray Guy Award goes to the nation’s best punter, a role that significantly impacts field position and momentum. Elite punters often average 45–50 yards per punt, maintain high net yardage, and excel at pinning opponents inside their own 20-yard line. In close, low-scoring games, Ray Guy–caliber punting can swing entire seasons.
Burlsworth Trophy
Launched in 2010, this is one of the sport’s most inspirational honors, presented to the best player who began his career as a walk-on. Many Burlsworth winners have developed from unheralded recruits to all-conference or even All-American performers, and several have gone on to become NFL starters. The trophy emphasizes perseverance, development, and the value of opportunity within college programs.
Coaching Awards
Coaches shape the culture, execution, and identity of an entire football program. Awards like the Home Depot Coach of the Year (created in 1994) honor head coaches who exceed expectations, often taking teams from unranked status in August to conference contenders or playoff participants by December. Past winners have included coaches who engineered double-digit win turnarounds or delivered historic seasons for programs outside the traditional power structure.
Meanwhile, the Broyles Award, first awarded in 1996, highlights assistant coaches whose behind-the-scenes strategy and player development shape championship-caliber teams. In the last decade, numerous Broyles winners and finalists have gone on to become successful head coaches at major FBS programs, underscoring the award’s reputation as a predictor of future coaching stardom.
The growing complexity of offenses and defenses—especially with tempo-based systems, pattern-match coverages, and hybrid position groups—has elevated the importance of coordinators. As a result, the Broyles Award has quickly become one of the most respected honors in coaching circles.
Academic & Character Awards
College football is built on more than athleticism. Awards such as the William V. Campbell Trophy (“Academic Heisman”), established in 1990, and the Wuerffel Trophy, created in 2005, represent the sport’s commitment to academics, community work, and leadership.
- The Campbell Trophy typically honors a senior or graduate player with a GPA of 3.2 or higher, significant on-field contributions, and documented leadership. Each winner receives a $25,000 postgraduate scholarship, while finalists receive substantial academic support as well.
- The Wuerffel Trophy recognizes community service combined with athletic and academic achievement, often honoring players who log hundreds of hours of charitable work during their college careers.
These honors reward the complete student-athlete and reinforce the value of service-based citizenship in a sport that increasingly mirrors the business side of professional football. In an era of NIL, they act as a reminder that leadership and character still matter at the highest levels.
How College Football Awards Are Voted On
Though voting procedures differ, most awards rely on a mix of:
- Media analysts and sportswriters
- Former players and award winners
- Head coaches and sports information directors
- Statistical benchmarks and advanced metrics
- Game film and expert scouting reports
Many of the voting bodies that determine national awards reflect broader trends in how the sport evaluates excellence. During the BCS era, the 2006 Harris Interactive College Football Poll offered a structured, panel-based assessment of team performance that played a significant role in shaping the national landscape.
The Heisman remains the only major award to incorporate a fan vote, but that vote counts as a single ballot among nearly 1,000 voters, so its influence is symbolic rather than decisive. Heisman ballots use a 3–2–1 point system (three points for first place, two for second, one for third), which creates a detailed ranking of candidates each year.
Most national awards follow a three-phase process:
- Watch lists released in the preseason (July–August)
- Semifinalists announced in late October or early November
- Finalists and winners chosen in late November and early December
This structure ensures voters have time to evaluate performances over a full season—typically 12 regular-season games plus conference championships and bowls—before selecting a winner.
Conference Awards and FCS Honors
Beyond national awards, each conference recognizes its best performers. The SEC, Big Ten, ACC, Big 12, and other leagues present annual honors such as:
- Offensive and Defensive Player of the Year
- Freshman of the Year
- Coach of the Year
- Positional awards (e.g., Big Ten’s Silver Football, SEC’s conference-specific honors)
These conference awards often predict national award finalists and serve as stepping stones for greater recognition. For example, many Big Ten and SEC Players of the Year from 2010–2024 have gone on to become Heisman finalists or major national award winners.
At the FCS level, awards such as the:
- Walter Payton Award (offensive player of the year, FCS equivalent of the Heisman)
- Buck Buchanan Award (top defensive player)
- Jerry Rice Award (top freshman)
- Eddie Robinson Award (FCS coach of the year)
highlight exceptional talent that often transitions successfully to the NFL. Since the Walter Payton Award’s creation in 1987, multiple winners, including Cooper Kupp and Trey Lance, have become notable professional players, underscoring how deep college football talent runs beyond the FBS level.
Why the Award System Matters
College football awards preserve the legacy of each season and create a bridge between eras. Names like Archie Griffin (1970s), Barry Sanders (1988), Charles Woodson (1997), Tim Tebow (2007), Cam Newton (2010), Lamar Jackson (2016), Joe Burrow (2019), and Caleb Williams (2022) serve as benchmarks for today’s stars. Their awards mark specific points in time that fans can tie to unforgettable seasons, records, and championship runs.
Award systems also maintain continuity in a sport marked by rapid change—conference realignment, NIL, expanded playoffs, and evolving offensive philosophies. Even as the postseason format shifts, the fact that players still chase the Heisman, Maxwell, Bednarik, Biletnikoff, and dozens of other college football awards provides a familiar framework for evaluating greatness.
In this way, college football awards do more than celebrate excellence; they narrate the evolution of the sport itself and give each season a lasting place in the game’s history.
College Football Awards – FAQs
1. What is the most prestigious college football award?
The Heisman Trophy is widely regarded as the most prestigious college football award. It honors the nation’s most outstanding player and often leads to major national exposure and NFL opportunities.
2. Do defensive players have a real chance to win big awards?
Defensive players regularly win major defensive awards like the Bednarik and Nagurski. However, it’s harder for them to win the Heisman because offensive stats are more visible and easier to compare.
3. Can freshmen realistically win major college football awards?
Freshmen rarely win top national awards, but they frequently earn conference Freshman of the Year or the FCS Jerry Rice Award. Most Heisman and Player of the Year winners are sophomores, juniors, or seniors.
4. How has NIL changed the impact of college football awards?
NIL has increased the financial and branding value of winning major awards. Players who win high-profile college football awards now have greater opportunities for endorsements and personal brand growth.
