As college football enthusiasts gear up for a thrilling evening, the 34th annual College Football Awards promises to showcase the sport’s most dazzling talents. This prestigious event will take place on Thursday evening, celebrating the standout performances from the season.
Star Players in the Spotlight
Among the most talked-about athletes is the exceptional Travis Hunter, a two-way superstar from Colorado. Hunter’s remarkable versatility has earned him nominations for three prestigious awards: the best receiver, best player, and best defensive player. His ability to shine on both sides of the ball has captivated fans and analysts alike.
Competing closely with Hunter is Boise State’s Ashton Jeanty, who is also a finalist for the coveted Maxwell Award, recognizing the Player of the Year. Jeanty is making waves not only for his overall performance but also as a finalist for the Doak Walker Award, which honors the nation’s premier running back. The competition between these two athletes has created a buzz, as both are seen as frontrunners for the upcoming Heisman Trophy presentation.
What to Expect at the Awards Ceremony
The College Football Awards ceremony is not just an event; it’s a celebration of excellence in the sport. This year’s show will air live on ESPN, starting at 9 p.m. ET on Thursday, December 12, and will run for two hours, concluding at 11 p.m. ET. Fans can look forward to a dynamic presentation hosted by Kevin Negandhi and Jen Lada, with insights from analysts Booger McFarland and Andre Ware.
How to Watch the College Football Awards
- TV channel: ESPN
- Live stream: Fubo
For those who prefer to stream, Fubo offers a live viewing option, complete with a free trial for new users. This allows fans to experience the excitement without committing to a subscription right away. For a limited time, Fubo is offering the first month for as low as $49.99, providing access to ESPN, ABC, CBS, Fox, NBC, and over 200 other channels.
Finalists for College Football Awards
The anticipation surrounding the awards is heightened by the impressive list of finalists. Here’s a breakdown of some of the key awards and their contenders:
Chuck Bednarik Award: Defensive Player of the Year
- Travis Hunter (Colorado)
- Abdul Carter (Penn State)
- Caleb Downs (Ohio State)
Biletnikoff Award: Outstanding Receiver
- Travis Hunter (Colorado)
- Tetairoa McMillan (Arizona)
- Nick Nash (San Jose State)
Maxwell Award: Player of the Year
- Ashton Jeanty (Boise State)
- Travis Hunter (Colorado)
- Dillon Gabriel (Oregon)
Doak Walker Award: Premier Running Back
- Omarion Hampton (North Carolina)
- Ashton Jeanty (Boise State)
- Kaleb Johnson (Iowa)
Other Notable Awards
- Davey O’Brien National Quarterback Award: Dillon Gabriel (Oregon), Shedeur Sanders (Colorado), Cam Ward (Miami)
- Lou Groza Collegiate Place-Kicker Award: Kenneth Almendares (Louisiana), Ryan Fitzgerald (Florida State), Alex Raynor (Kentucky)
- Ray Guy Award: Alex Mastromanno (Florida State), Brett Thorson (Georgia), Eddie Czaplicki (USC)
- Outland Trophy: Kelvin Banks Jr. (Texas), Mason Graham (Michigan), Walter Nolen (Ole Miss)
- Paycom Jim Thorpe Award: Jahdae Barron (Texas), Caleb Downs (Ohio State), Malaki Starks (Georgia)
The Heisman Trophy Race
As the College Football Awards set the stage, all eyes are also on the Heisman Trophy presentation scheduled for Saturday. This year, it appears to be a tight race between Travis Hunter and Ashton Jeanty, both of whom have made significant impacts on their respective teams. The anticipation surrounding this rivalry adds an extra layer of excitement to the awards ceremony.
With such a talented roster of finalists and the promise of thrilling performances, the College Football Awards are sure to be a highlight of the season. Fans are encouraged to tune in and celebrate the incredible achievements of these young athletes who have dedicated themselves to excellence on the field. Who will take home the honors? Only time will tell, but one thing is for sure: the future of college football is bright!
