The preseason award watch list season for college football has officially begun, with three Miami Hurricanes making an early splash as contenders for one of the sport’s top distinctions. Quarterback Cam Ward, running back Damien Martinez, and wide receiver Xavier Restrepo have been named among the 80 players on the preseason watch list for the Maxwell Award, which honors the best player in college football annually. Notably, Miami and Ohio State are the only schools with three players featured on this list.
Ward, a fifth-year senior who transferred from Washington State after two years there (and two prior years at FCS Incarnate Word), has impressive statistics, throwing for 13,871 yards and 119 touchdowns throughout his four seasons in college.
His time at Washington State alone accounts for 6,963 yards and 48 touchdowns. Martinez, a junior, is set to begin his first season at Miami after moving from Oregon State, where he accumulated 2,167 rushing yards and 16 touchdowns in his initial two years, averaging 6.1 yards per carry. Restrepo had a standout junior season in 2023, leading the Hurricanes with 85 receptions for 1,082 yards and six touchdowns. His 85 catches ranked 18th in college football, and he was one of only 33 players to surpass 1,000 receiving yards.
The semifinalists for the Maxwell Award will be announced on November 12, with three finalists revealed on November 26, and the winner announced on December 12. In total, three Hurricanes have previously won the Maxwell Award: Vinny Testaverde in 1986, Gino Torretta in 1992, and Ken Dorsey in 2001. Over the next three weeks, the National College Football Awards Association will be releasing preseason watch lists for 15 different awards. Here’s the complete breakdown of the upcoming awards:
- Tuesday: Outland Trophy (best interior offensive lineman) and Bronko Nagurski Trophy (best defensive player)
- Wednesday: Jim Thorpe Award (best defensive back)
- Thursday: Paul Hornung Award (most versatile player) and Wuerffel Trophy (recognizing excellence in community service alongside athletic and academic achievements)
- Friday: Lou Groza Award (best kicker) and Ray Guy Award (best punter)
- August 5: Walter Camp Award (player of the year)
- August 6: Doak Walker Award (best running back)
- August 7: Biletnikoff Award (best wide receiver)
- August 8: Davey O’Brien Award (best quarterback)
- August 9: Mackey Award (top tight end) and Rimington Trophy (top center)
- August 12: Bednarik Award (top defensive player)
- August 13: Butkus Award (top linebacker)
The Maxwell Campbell Club released its newest watchlist for the upcoming season and the 88th Maxwell Award:
The day is FINALLY here 🏈
Check out the 2024 #MaxwellFootball Watchlist 👀#MaxwellFootball
🔗: https://t.co/DvapuYnj8m pic.twitter.com/TAklTkqZSD
— Maxwell Football (@MaxwellFootball) July 29, 2024
Quarterback Will Howard, running back Quinshon Judkins, and wide receiver Emeka Egbuka represent the Buckeyes.
Quarterback Cam Ward, running back Damien Martinez, and wide receiver Xavier Restrepo represent the canes.
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