The 2024 college football regular season has come to an end, paving the way for the highly anticipated first-ever 12-team College Football Playoff. As fans and players alike gear up for this exciting postseason, it’s also time to reflect on the outstanding performances that defined the year. Who stood out among the rest? Which coaches and players will take home prestigious awards?
Celebrating Excellence: College Football Awards 2024
The awards season is upon us, and it’s a moment to recognize the stars of college football. While the Heisman Trophy often garners the most attention, there’s a wealth of accolades to be distributed. The Sporting News is on top of all the awards, tracking winners, finalists, and categories to ensure you don’t miss a beat.
The Heisman Trophy race is particularly thrilling this year, featuring a strong lineup of candidates. But let’s not forget the other awards that celebrate various aspects of the game, from coaching to individual player performances.
Top Performers: College Football Awards Winners 2024
Here’s a look at the winners and finalists for some of the most prestigious awards in college football this season.
| Award | Category | Winner |
| Associated Press Player of the Year | Top player | Travis Hunter, Colorado |
| Biletnikoff Award | Top receiver | Travis Hunter, Colorado |
| Bronko Nagurski Trophy | Defensive player of the year (judged by FWAA) | Kyle Kennard, South Carolina |
| Broyles Award | Top assistant coach | TBA |
| Burlsworth Trophy | Top former walk-on | Bryce Boettcher, Oregon |
| Butkus Award | Top linebacker | Jalon Walker, Georgia |
| Chuck Bednarik Award | Defensive player of the year (judged by Maxwell Club) | Travis Hunter, Colorado |
| Davey O’Brien Award | Top quarterback | Cam Ward, Miami |
| Doak Walker Award | Top running back | Ashton Jeanty, Boise State |
| Eddie Robinson Coach of the Year Award | Top NCAA Division I coach (judged by FWAA) | TBA |
| George Munger Award | Top NCAA Division I coach (judged by Maxwell Club) | TBA |
| Heisman Trophy | Most outstanding player | TBA |
| Jim Thorpe Award | Top defensive back | Jahdae Barron, Texas |
| Joe Moore Award | Top offensive line | TBA |
| John Mackey Award | Top tight end | Tyler Warren, Penn State |
| Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award | Top upperclassman quarterback | Shedeur Sanders, Colorado |
| Lombardi Award | Outstanding college football lineman | Kelvin Banks Jr., Texas |
| Lott IMPACT Trophy | Defensive IMPACT player of the year | Travis Hunter, Colorado |
| Lou Groza Award | Top placekicker | Kenneth Almendares, Louisiana |
| Maxwell Award | College player of the year | Ashton Jeanty, Boise State |
| Outland Trophy | Top interior lineman | Kelvin Banks Jr., Texas |
| Paul Hornung Award | Most versatile player | Travis Hunter, Colorado |
| Ray Guy Award | Top punter | Eddie Czaplicki, USC |
| Rimington Trophy | Top center | Seth McLaughlin, Ohio State |
| Shaun Alexander Award | Freshman of the year (judged by Maxwell Club) | TBA |
| Sporting News Coach of the Year | College coach of the year | TBA |
| Sporting News Player of the Year | College player of the year | TBA |
| Ted Hendricks Award | Top defensive end | TBA |
| Walter Camp Award | College player of the year | Travis Hunter, Colorado |
| William V. Campbell Trophy | Academic Heisman | Jalen Milroe, Alabama |
| Wuerffel Trophy | Community service award | Nick Dawkins, Penn State |
Finalists and Highlights
Now, let’s dive into the finalists for some of the most coveted awards of the season.
Heisman Trophy
Finalists:
- Dillon Gabriel, Oregon
- Travis Hunter, Colorado
- Ashton Jeanty, Boise State
- Cam Ward, Miami
Winner: TBA
Associated Press Player of the Year
Winner: Travis Hunter, Colorado
Biletnikoff Award
Finalists:
- Travis Hunter, Colorado
- Tetairoa McMillan, Arizona
- Nick Nash, San Jose State
Winner: Travis Hunter, Colorado
Bronko Nagurski Trophy
Finalists:
- Jahdae Barron, Texas
- Abdul Carter, Penn State
- Mason Graham, Michigan
- Kyle Kennard, South Carolina
Winner: Kyle Kennard, South Carolina
The awards continue to shine a spotlight on the remarkable talent in college football. With each announcement, the excitement builds, and fans eagerly await to see who will be crowned the best of the best.
As we celebrate these achievements, it’s a reminder of the dedication, hard work, and passion that fuels college football. Who will rise to the occasion in the playoffs? Only time will tell, but one thing is for sure: the future of college football is bright!
