The finalists have been revealed for the nine National College Football Awards Association (NCFAA) honors to be recognized during the 28th edition of The Home Depot College Football Awards.
The show will be live on ESPN from the Chick-Fil-A College Football Hall of Fame in Atlanta on Thursday, Dec. 6, at 7 p.m. ET. The annual ceremony—hosted by Chris Fowler—recognizes the accomplishments of college football student-athletes. Lee Corso, Kirk Herbstreit, Desmond Howard, Tom Rinaldi, and Maria Taylor will join Fowler throughout the show.
Marty Smith and Ryan McGee will join Maria Taylor to host the The Home Depot College Football Awards Red Carpet Special presented by Daltile on Dec. 6, at 6 p.m. on ESPNU. A special edition of Championship Drive: Path to the Playoff presented by AT&T will air immediately after the show at 9 p.m. on ESPN hosted by Chris Cotter, David Pollack and Jonathan Vilma. On Tuesday, Nov. 20, at 2:30 p.m., this year’s nominees will be featured in The Home Depot College Football Awards Nomination Special on ESPNU.
MEDIA NOTE: Media interested in attending the media availability with nominees on Wednesday, Dec. 5, and/or covering the live telecast on Thursday, Dec. 6, can apply for credentials by emailing CFAmedia@espn.com through Friday, Nov. 30.
The Home Depot College Football Awards Finalists
NCFAA awards announced during The Home Depot College Football Awards:
| Chuck Bednarik Award College Defensive Player of the Year |
Josh Allen, Kentucky (Sr.) Christian Wilkins, Clemson (Gr.) Quinnen Williams, Alabama (So.) |
| Biletnikoff Award Outstanding Receiver |
Andy Isabella, University of Massachusetts (Sr.) Jerry Jeudy, Alabama (So.) Tylan Wallace, Oklahoma State (So.) |
| Lou Groza Collegiate Place-Kicker Award Nation’s Outstanding Placekicker |
Cooper Rothe, Wyoming (Jr.) Andre Szmyt, Syracuse (Fr.) Cole Tracy, LSU (Sr.) |
| Ray Guy Award College Punter of the Year |
Braden Mann, Texas A&M (Jr.) James Smith, Cincinnati (So.) Mitch Wishnowsky, Utah (So.) |
| Maxwell Award College Player of the Year |
Will Grier, West Virginia (Sr.) Kyler Murray, Oklahoma (Jr.) Tua Tagovailoa, Alabama (Fr.) |
| Davey O’Brien National Quarterback Award Nation’s Best Quarterback |
Gardner Minshew II, Washington State (Gr.) Kyler Murray, Oklahoma (Jr.) Tua Tagovailoa, Alabama (Fr.) |
| Outland Trophy Nation’s Most Outstanding Interior Lineman |
Christian Wilkins, Clemson (Gr.) Jonah Williams, Alabama (Jr.) Quinnen Williams, Alabama (So.) |
| Paycom Jim Thorpe Award Nation’s Best Defensive Back |
DeAndre Baker, Georgia (Sr.) Julian Love, Notre Dame (Jr.) Greedy Williams, LSU (So.) |
| Doak Walker Award Nation’s Premier Running Back |
Travis Etienne, Clemson (So.) Darrell Henderson, Memphis (Jr.) Jonathan Taylor, Wisconsin (So.) |
| Walter Camp All-America Team | Team will be announced Thursday, Dec. 6. |
Other honors recognized during The Home Depot College Football Awards:
| The Home Depot Coach of the Year Award | Winner will be announced on Wednesday, Dec. 5 |
| NCFAA Contributions to College Football Award | Announcement to come at a later date. |
| William V. Campbell Trophy Premier Scholar-Athlete |
The 12 finalists for the Campbell Trophy were announced on Wednesday, Oct. 31 |
| The Allstate AFCA Good Works Team | Team Captain will be announced on Monday, Dec. 3. |
| The Walter Camp Player of the Year | Winner will be announced on SportsCenter on Thursday, Dec. 6th. |
| Broyles Award Assistant Coach of the Year |
Finalists announced Monday, Nov. 26. |
Awards to be recognized during The Home Depot College Football Awards Red Carpet Special presented by Daltile at 6 p.m. on ESPNU:
| John Mackey Award Outstanding Tight End |
T.J. Hockeson, Iowa (So.) Albert Okwuegbunam, Missouri (So.) Kaden Smith, Stanford (Jr.) |
| Rimington Award Outstanding Center |
Finalists announced Monday, Dec. 3. |
| Wuerffel Trophy Community Service |
David Blough, Purdue (Sr.) Dalton Risner, Kansas State (Sr.) Drue Tranquill, Notre Dame (Sr.) |
National College Football Awards Association (NCFAA)
The NCFAA encompasses the most prestigious awards in college football. The 24 awards boast 678 years of tradition-selection excellence. Visit www.NCFAA.org to learn more about our story.
