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In 1935, the Maxwell Football Club became the first organization to honor football from beginner to professional. The Maxwell standard is recognizing talented players from the earliest stages of their careers. The Club’s namesake award, founded in 1937, was named after Robert “Tiny” Maxwell, a Swarthmore College football player, coach and sportswriter.
Presented to the best player in college football, the Maxwell Award is one of the two Maxwell Football Awards featured on the ESPN College Football Awards Show. The list of 80 eligible recipients has been released, here we highlight 10 notable players from the list.
Donovan Edwards, Running Back, Michigan
Edwards is coming off a national championship and is poised to have a productive season as the lead back for the Wolverines. Humble yet confident, Edwards said he’s “fully intent on breaking the Michigan record for receiving yards by a running back.” A triple-threat back with the perfect mindset you want for a leader.
Tory Horton, Wide Receiver, Colorado State
After his decision to forgo the NFL Draft and turning down several Power Four suitors, star wide receiver Tory Horton returns to Colorado State. Horton is just 40 receptions away from breaking the conference record held by Davante Adams and in line to become the first Rams pass catcher to post three seasons with more than 1,000 yards.
Darius Taylor, Running Back, Minnesota
The Golden Gophers break out star running back averaged 176.3 rushing yards in his first three games as a full-time starter. After flashing immense potential last season, Taylor is receiving much-deserved hype to become a household name across the country in 2024.
College Football Dawgs and Maxwell Football Club Forge Partnership
Antario Brown, Running Back, Northern Illinois
Having powered the Huskies to their first bowl victory and second winning season in five years under Thomas Hammock, Brown will be called upon to carry an even larger load in 2024. Brown has been absolutely dominate in the backfield averaging more than 6 yards per carry every year, with 212 carries this previous season.
Riley Leonard, Quarterback, Notre Dame
After undergoing a second surgery on his right ankle to correct a developing stress fracture, Leonard looks to be fully healthy for the first time since transferring from Duke.
Leonard enters the 2024 season for the Fightin’ Irish ready to emulate his success from 2022 where he accounted for 33 touchdowns: 20 passing and 13 rushing.
Kyle Monangai, Running Back, Rutgers
One of five Scarlet Knights to receive preseason All-Big Ten honors from Phil Steele, Kyle Monangai is the only Kight having received preseason First Team honors. Entering his fifth-year and coming off a strong 2023 season as the Big Ten leading rusher, Monangai is poised to build off his success.
Jordan McCloud, Quarterback, Texas State
Ready for a fresh start in San Marcos, Texas, McCloud is eager to add his skill set to the GJ Kinne offense that averaged 36 points per game in 2023. McCloud transfers in after a huge season with the James Madison Dukes where he threw for 35 touchdowns and 3,657 yards.
Ismail Mahdi, Running Back, Texas State
Returning to the Bobcats backfield after leading the nation in all-purpose yards (2,169), Mahdi looks to build on his game-changing and play-making abilities. Mahdi was highly sought after by Power Four teams, but decided to return for his junior season with the Texas State.
KJ Jefferson, Quarterback, Central Florida
Named Preseason Big 12 Conference Newcomer of the Year, the Arkansas Razorback transfer has been compared to former Heisman Trophy winner Cam Newton by UCF coach Gus Malzahn. Jefferson arrives in Orlando, Fla., after tallying nearly 10,000 total yards and 88 touchdowns with the Razorbacks.
RJ Harvey, Running Back, Central Florida
Harvey is a hometown hero in Orlando, preparing to enter his fifth-year for the Knights. Coming off a career season where he rushed for 1,416 yards and 16 touchdowns, Harvey is among the elite Big 12 running backs.
These athletes not only showcase exceptional skill and talent, but embody the spirit and dedication to be college football’s finest. As we progress through the 2024 season, one of these outstanding players may be the next recipient of the Maxwell Award come December.
Check out who else made the Maxwell Award Watch List!
The 2024 Maxwell Award Watch List: 71-80
This article is brought to you by the Maxwell Football Club, home of the prestigious Maxwell & Chuck Bednarik Awards. Become a member of the Maxwell Football Club and gain the exclusive privilege of voting for these and other nationally-recognized awards.
With over 75 years of honoring football’s finest, the Maxwell Football Club offers you the unique opportunity to help recognize top talent from high school to the professional level. By joining, you’ll be part of a tradition that celebrates excellence and helps shape the game's future.
Be part of the excitement at the Maxwell Football Awards Gala held in March 2025 at the College Football Hall of Fame in Atlanta. At the Gala, you will experience the official presentation of the awards. Don’t miss your chance to contribute to football history. Become a member TODAY by visiting https://www.maxwellfootballclub.org/jointheclub.
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