Players of the Week
WEEK 13 PLAYERS OF THE WEEK
Maxwell Award Player of the Week- Joe Milton III- QB- Tennessee
Tennessee quarterback Joe Milton III has been named the Maxwell Player of the Week after a stellar performance against Vanderbilt. In the 48-24 victory, Milton completed 22 of 33 passes for 383 yards and 4 passing touchdowns, while adding 11 rushing yards with 2 rushing touchdowns. Miltons’ 383 yards and 6 total touchdowns are both career-highs in his final game
at Neyland Stadium. His 6 total touchdowns were the most by a Volunteer quarterback since Jonathan Crompton did it in November of 2009. The Volunteers now await a Bowl Game announcement, as they are bowl eligible.
Bednarik Player of the Week- David Reese – OLB- Cal
Cal outside linebacker David Reese has been named the Bednarik Player of the Week after a great performance against rival UCLA. In the 33-7 rout, the senior accumulated 4 tackles, 3 of which were TFL’s for sacks, as well as a forced fumble. Reese’s forced fumble came late in the second quarter, which led to a late first half touchdown for the Bears. The 3 tackles for loss also matched a career high. This win now makes the Bears bowl eligible, and they look forward to that game now.
Shaun Alexander Freshman of the Week- Noah Fifita- QB- Arizona
Arizona quarterback Noah Fifita has been named The Shaun Alexander Freshman of the Week after a dominant performance against Arizona State. In the 59-23 blowout, Fifita went 30-41, throwing for 527 yards and 4 passing touchdowns. The freshman set a Arizona record for passing yards in a single game, breaking Anu Solomon's previous record of 520 yards. Fifita’s 5 touchdowns is also a career high. This was also the most passing yards ever thrown in the Territorial Cup. The Wildcats now look forward to playing their first bowl game since 2017.
WEEK 12 PLAYERS OF THE WEEK
Maxwell Award Player of the Week – Bo Nix – QB – University of Oregon
Oregon quarterback Bo Nix has been named the Maxwell Award Player of The Week after their dominant performance against Arizona State this past weekend. The 6’2 217 senior completed 24- of-29 passes for 404 yards and six touchdowns. Nix currently leads the nation with a 78.1 completion percentage and is on pace to break the NCAA single-season record, as well as being the only FBS player this season with multiple six touchdown games. Nix would also become the first ever Duck with four career 400-yard passing games, with his 35 passing touchdowns placing him second in Oregon’s single-season history ranking. The Ducks will be back at home to take on Oregon State this Friday, Nov. 24 at 5:30 p.m. PT.
Bednarik Player of the Week – Jabbar Muhammad – CB – University of Washington
Washington cornerback Jabbar Muhammad has been named the Bednarik Player of The Week after their win over No. 10 Oregon State this past weekend. The junior from Desoto, Texas would have a stellar day recording two interceptions, four pass break-ups, and a fumble recovery. Additionally, Muhammad currently sits at 9th in the nation for passes defended. The Huskies are back at home this weekend to take on Washington State this Saturday, Nov. 25 at 1:00 p.m. PT.
Shaun Alexander Freshman of the Week- Jahiem White- RB- West Virginia
West Virginia running back Jahiem White has been named the Shaun Alexander Freshman of the Week after a stellar performance against Cincinnati. In the 42-21 rout, White rushed for 204 yards on 21 carries and a rushing touchdown, while adding one reception for 75 yards and a touchdown. He is the first Mountaineer running back to eclipse 200 yards rushing in a game since Justin Crawford had 209 in 2016. His first touchdown was a scoring grab from his own 25, while he added a 4 yard rushing touchdown in the third quarter. The Mountaineers now travel to Waco to take on the Baylor Bears in their regular season finale.
WEEK 11 PLAYERS OF THE WEEK
Maxwell Award Player of the Week- Jayden Daniels- QB- LSU
LSU quarterback Jayden Daniels has been named the Maxwell Award Player of the Week after his monster performance against Florida. In the 52-35 victory, the quarterback completed 17 of 26 passes for 372 and 3 touchdowns. He also added 234 rushing yards with 2 touchdowns on 12 carries, totaling 606 yards of offense. This is Daniel’s 4th game this season with at least 400 passing yards, joining Joe Burrow as the only quarterbacks in school history to do so. Daniels also leads the nation in total offense, and ranks 3rd in passing yards per game at 310.2 yards per game. The No. 15 Tigers look ahead to take on Georgia State at home next week.
Bednarik Player of the Week- Jalen McLeod- ED- Auburn
Auburn edge rusher Jalen McLeod has been named the Bednarik Player of the Week after their Conference win over Arkansas. In the 48-10 victory, the edge rusher racked up 9 tackles, 3 sacks, 4 tackles for loss, and a forced fumble. It was a career day for the junior, as these were all career highs for McLeod while attending Auburn. He forced a fumble on Arkansas wide receiver KJ Jefferson near the end of the first half, leading to a time-expiring field goal at the end of the second quarter. The Tigers will now head home to face off against New Mexico State.
Shaun Alexander Freshman of the Week- LB- C.J. Allen- Georgia
Georgia linebacker C.J Allen has been named the Shaun Alexander Freshman of the Week after a victory over No. 9 Ole Miss. In the 52-17 victory, the freshman collected 9 tackles, 4 solo and 5 assisted, and 1 sack for -7 yards. He led the Bulldogs defense in tackles, and helped clinch the SEC Eastern Division for the third year in a row. Georgia has extended their regular season win streak to 37, and are now 43-1 in their last 44 games. The Bulldogs will travel to take on No. 13 Tennessee next week.
WEEK 10 PLAYERS OF THE WEEK
Maxwell Award Player of the Week – Jalen Milroe – QB – The University of Alabama
Alabama quarterback Jalen Milroe has been named the Maxwell Award player of The Week after taking down No. 14 LSU this past weekend. The red-shirt sophomore from Texas threw 15-of-23 attempts for 219 yards and rushed for 155 yards with 4 touchdowns for a combined total of 374 yards. Additionally, Milroe’s four rushing touchdowns are the most-ever by an Alabama signal-caller. The Crimson Tide are on the road this weekend to take on Kentucky this Saturday, Nov. 11 at 11:00 a.m. CT.
Bednarik Player of the Week – Jeremiah Trotter Jr. – LB – Clemson University
Clemson linebacker Jeremiah Trotter Jr. has been named the Bednarik Award Player of The Week after their 31-23 upset over No. 12 Notre Dame. The 6’0 230 junior would be credited with 11 tackles, 2.5 TFL, 2 sacks, and 1 interception. Trotter’s one interception would also be returned for a 28 yard touchdown. The Tigers are back at home this weekend to square off against Georgia Tech this Saturday, Nov. 11 at 12:00 p.m. ET.
Shaun Alexander Freshman of the Week- Eugene Wilson- WR- Florida
Florida wide receiver Eugene Wilson has been named the Shaun Alexander Freshman of the week after his performance against Arkansas. In the 39-36 overtime loss, the freshman racked up 8 receptions for 90 yards, with 2 touchdown grabs. Wilson is the first true freshman receiver to catch 2 touchdown passes since 2006 when Riley Cooper collected 3 touchdown passes against Western Carolina. The Gators found themselves down 2 touchdowns early in the first quarter, and that’s when Wilson took over early in the game to knot the game back up at 14 apiece. These touchdowns were of 19 and 6 yards. The Gators look to get back on track when they face No. 18 LSU Tigers in Baton Rouge.
WEEK 9 PLAYERS OF THE WEEK
Maxwell Award Player of the Week – Ollie Gordon II – RB – Oklahoma State University
Oklahoma State University running back Ollie Gordon II has been named the Maxwell Award Player of The Week after their dominant performance against Cincinnati. Gordon had an exceptional showing, rushing for 271 yards and two touchdowns on 25 carries, and tallied four catches for 21 yards for a total of 292 all-purpose yards. The sophomore from Fort Worth, TX would also join Barry Sanders as only the second player in program history with back-to-back games of 250+ rushing yards. As well as becoming the only Power Five player with multiple 200+ yard games this season; eclipsing 1,000 rushing yards in just eight games. Oklahoma State University is back in Stillwater, OK to take on the Sooners this Saturday, Nov. 4 at 2:30
p.m. CT.
Bednarik Player of the Week – Edgerrin Cooper – LB – Texas A&M
Texas A&M linebacker Edgerrin Cooper has been named the Bednarik Award Player of The Week after taking down South Carolina. The 6’3 230 junior had a standout day with 7 tackles, 2 TFL, 1 sack, 1 PBU, and 1 fumble recovered. Cooper would also set his career high for hurries with 4, as well as mark the fourth time he had multiple TFLs and at least 1 sack across five SEC games. The Aggies are on the road next weekend to face Ole Miss this Saturday, Nov. 4 at 12:00 p.m. ET.
Shaun Alexander Freshman of the Week- Kevin Concepcion- WR- NC State
North Carolina State wide receiver Kevin Concepcion has been named the Shaun Alexander Freshman of the week after
leading the Wolfpack to a nail-biting victory over Clemson. In the 24-17, the receiver accumulated a total of 134 total yards, with 51 on the ground and 83 receiving yards. Concepcion tacked on 2 touchdowns as well, one of which was a 72-yard house call on a short slant, which was the Wolfpack’s longest reception of the season so far. He also had a 50- yard rush, which was also the longest rush of the season for the Wolfpack. The true freshman ranks third of all true freshmen with 5.2 receptions per game. The Wolfpack looks to build off of the victory when they host the Hurricanes next week.
WEEK EIGHT PLAYERS OF THE WEEK
Shaun Alexander Freshman of the Week- Rueben Bain Jr.- DE- Miami
Miami defensive end Rueben Bain Jr. has been named the Shaun Alexander Freshman of the week for week 8 after leading the Hurricanes to a hard-fought victory over Clemson. In the 28-20 victory in double overtime, the freshman recorded 8 total tackles, 2 sacks with 10 quarterback pressures, and added a forced fumble to his monster performance. His 10 pressures were most pressures for a defensive player in week 8. Bain’s 2 sacks were a part of a Hurricane rush that got to Clemson quarterback Cade Klubnik 5 times. The Hurricanes look to defend their home field next week when they take on the Virginia Cavaliers in their homecoming game.
Maxwell Award Player of the Week – Marvin Harrison Jr – WR – Ohio State University
Ohio State University wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr has been named Maxwell Award Player of The Week after their at home win against No. 7 Penn State this past weekend. The Philadelphia native would have a stellar day, posting 11 receptions for 162 yards and one touchdown. Harrison would additionally tally a career high with his reception total, as well as becoming the first OSU Buckeye to record 5 games with over 160 yards. The Buckeyes are on the road this weekend to take on Wisconsin this Saturday, Oct. 28 at 7:30 p.m. ET.
Bednarik Player of the Week – Nathaniel Watson – LB – Mississippi State
Mississippi State linebacker Nathaniel Watson has been named Bednarik player of The Week after their road victory over Arkansas. Watson would have a career day, recording 14 tackles, 9 assisted tackles, 5 solo tackles, 2 TFL, and 2 sacks for a loss of 19 total yards. The 6 ‘2 245 Alabama native would also earn a season high for tackles and tie his season high for sacks, as well as collect his 300th career tackle. Mississippi State is back on the road this weekend to face off against Auburn this Saturday, Oct. 28 at 2:30 p.m. ET.
WEEK SEVEN PLAYERS OF THE WEEK
Maxwell Award Player of the Week – Michael Penix Jr. – QB – Washington
Washington quarterback Michael Penix Jr. has been named Maxwell Award player of The Week after their stunner against the No. 9 Oregon Ducks. Penix would have an impressive day throwing 22-for-37 attempts for 302 yards, four touchdowns, and one interception. His performance would also aid in adding to Washington’s all time wins (62) against Oregon, bringing their all time record to 62-to-48. The Huskies are back home this weekend to host Arizona State this Saturday, Oct. 21 at 7:30 p.m. PT.
Bednarik Player of the Week – Landon Jackson – DE – Arkansas
Arkansas defensive end Landon Jackson has been named Bednarik Player of The Week after a hard fought loss to No. 11 Alabama on the road. The 6 ‘7 281 junior was electric, earning career highs in tackles (11), solo tackles (7), sacks (3.5), and TFLs (3.5). The Texas native would also become the first Arkansas defender to sack the quarterback over 3 times in a game since 2013. The Razorbacks are back in Fayetteville this weekend to play Mississippi State this Saturday, Oct. 21 at 12:00 p.m. EST.
Shaun Alexander Freshman of the Week – Josh Hoover – QB – TCU
TCU quarterback Josh Hoover has been named the Shaun Alexander Freshman of the Week after leading the Horned Frogs to a big victory over BYU. In the 44-11 victory, Hoover threw 37 completions on his 58 pass attempts for 439 yards and passing for 4 touchdowns. The freshman also added 26 rushing yards on his only carry of the game. In Hoover’s first start, he tied former Horned Frog quarterbacks Max Duggan and Casey Pachall for touchdowns in a game. The Horned Frog quarterback’s completions in a game were also most in a game by a TCU quarterback since 2013 when Pachall went 40-58 against West Virginia. The Horned Frogs will be on the move this weekend when they travel to Kansas State to take on the Wildcats.
WEEK SIX PLAYERS OF THE WEEK
Maxwell Award Player of the Week – Dillon Gabriel – QB – Oklahoma
Oklahoma quarterback Dillon Gabriel has been named Maxwell Award Player of The Week after the Sooners’ last-minute 34-30 win over No. 3 Texas. The Hawaii native completed 23-of-38 attempts for 285 yards, a career-high 113 yards rushing on 14 carries, two touchdowns, and no turnovers. Additionally, the redshirt senior’s performance would also bring the Sooners their first win against an AP top-five team since 2017. Oklahoma gained 486 yards and scored 34 points against Texas who entered the match allowing 290.8 yards and 12.8 points per game. Now 6-0 on the season, Oklahoma looks to take on UCF back in Norman on Oct. 21.
Bednarik Player of the Week – Jason Henderson – LB – Old Dominion
Old Dominion linebacker Jason Henderson has been named Bednarik Player of The Week after their 17-13 win against Southern Mississippi. The 6’1 227 junior tied his season-high with 17 tackles, 2.5 TFL, a sack, and a quarterback hurry. The Pennsylvania native currently leads the country with 93 tackles and 13 TFLs. Henderson also became ODU’s all-time leading tackler, passing Jordan Young who set the record in 2021. ODU is back at Kornblau Field to face off against Appalachian State on Oct. 21.
Shaun Alexander Award – Freshman of the Week – Noah Fifita – QB – Arizona
Arizona quarterback Noah Fifita has been named the Shaun Alexander Freshman of the Week after leading the Wildcats in a close loss to No. 9 USC in triple overtime. In the 43-41 loss, Fifita completed 25 of his 35 pass attempts, tallying 303 passing yards and 5 touchdowns with an interception. Two of Fifita’s touchdown passes came during the overtime periods, where he found wide receiver Jacob Cowing in both overtime and double overtime. The Wildcats fell short in knocking off the Trojans with an unsuccessful 2 point chance in triple overtime, but they still put up a tremendous fight against one of the top ranked teams in the nation. The Wildcats look to bounce back next week when they travel to Gesa Field to take on No. 19 Washington State.
WEEK FIVE PLAYERS OF THE WEEK
Maxwell Award Player of the Week – Ray Davis – RB – Kentucky
Kentucky running back Ray Davis has been named Maxwell Award Player of The Week after the Wildcats took down the #22 Florida Gators. The 5’10 216 senior would boast 26 carries for a career-high 280 yards rushing, a career-best three rushing touchdowns, and one receiving touchdown. Davis’s performance would also push him past the 3,000-yard rushing mark for his career (3,091) and become the ninth player in UK history to rush for more than 200 yards in a game. Additionally, the San Francisco native would tie the school record for the most total touchdowns in a game with his four. Kentucky will travel down to Athens, GA next weekend to face off against No.1 Georgia on Saturday, Oct. 7 p.m. ET.
Bednarik Player of the Week – Howard Cross III – DL – Notre Dame
Notre Dame defensive lineman Howard Cross III has been named Bednarik Player of The Week after a nail-biter against Duke this past weekend. Cross would post 13 total tackles; 3.5 TFL, one sack, two forced fumbles, and one quarterback hurry. The Jersey native’s second force fumble would help seal the Blue Devils' fate, as he would also set a career-high for his total tackles. Additionally, he is one of only three FBS defensive linemen to record 10+ tackles in a game for 2023. The Irish are on the road again heading down to Louisville, KY to take on the Cardinals this Saturday, Oct. 7.
Shaun Alexander Award- Freshman of the Week- Caleb Downs- DB- Alabama
Alabama defensive back Caleb Downs has been named the Shaun Alexander Freshman of the Week award after leading the Crimson Tide to a sound victory over Mississippi State. In the 40- 17 victory, Downs tallied 13 tackles and added his first interception of the season. The safety's interception came midway through the fourth quarter on a fourth and four to put the game on ice. Downs 40 tackles on the year leads the Crimson Tide defense. Downs also has a tackle for loss and a pass break up in Alabama’s five games this season. No.11 Crimson Tide will now travel to Texas A&M to take on the Aggies in a conference matchup.
WEEK FOUR PLAYERS OF THE WEEK
Maxwell Award Player of the Week – Cameron Ward – QB – Washington State
Bednarik Player of the Week – Dallas Turner – LB – Alabama
Shaun Alexander Award – Freshman of the Week – Rocco Becht – QB – Iowa State
WEEK THREE PLAYERS OF THE WEEK
Maxwell Award Player of the Week – Michael Penix Jr. – QB – Washington
Washington quarterback Michael Penix Jr. has been named Maxwell Award Player of the Week after leading No. 8 Washington to a 41-7 win against Michigan State this past Saturday. The 6’3 213 senior would throw for 27-of-35 on passes for 473 yards, totaling 4 touchdowns and no interceptions. The Tampa native would also tie the school first half touchdown record. He currently ranks first nationally in passing yards as well as being second in passing touchdowns. The Huskies are back in Seattle this weekend, where they are slotted to face California Saturday, Sept. 23 at 7:30 p.m. PT.
Bednarik Player of the Week – Daquan Evans – DB – South Florida
South Florida defensive back Daquan Evans has been named the Bednarik Award Player of the week after South Florida’s near historic upset of No. 10 Alabama this past weekend. Evans’ dominant performance against the Crimson Tide would include 8 tackles (4 solo), 3 sacks, 4 TFL, and 1 pass break up. This would earn the 5’11 190 Florida native American Athletic Conference Defensive Player of the Week; a feat that hadn’t been accomplished since 2018. Evans would also propel himself into the national lead for tackles for loss, as well as No. 12 in sacks. South Florida will be at Raymond James Stadium to take on Rice for their Cancer Awareness Game this Saturday at 4 p.m. EST.
Shaun Alexander Award- Freshman of the Week- Jordan Castell- S- Florida
Florida safety Jordan Castell has been named the Shaun Alexander Award Freshman of the Week after leading the Gators to an upset over No. 11 Tennessee. In the 29-16 victory, Castell made 10 tackles and 1 pass break up. The safety’s pass deflection came on a deep shot in the third quarter from QB Joe Milton III on a second and 10 from their own 31. Castell contributed to a Gator defense that held a hard-nosed Tennessee ground game averaging 257.5 rushing yards per game to just 100 rushing yards on 30 carries. The safety was also the highest ranked defender for Florida, according to Pro Football Focus. The Gators now look ahead to welcome the Charlotte 49ers to The Swamp next week.
WEEK TWO PLAYERS OF THE WEEK
Maxwell Award Player of the Week – Quinn Ewers – QB – Texas
Texas quarterback Quinn Ewers has been named Maxwell Award Player of the Week after upsetting No. 3, Alabama in stunning fashion (34-24). The Texas native went 24-for-38 on passes for 349 yards and 3 touchdown passes, while adding 3 carries for 11 yards. The 6 '2 195 sophomore would additionally record 6-of-7 passes in the fourth quarter for 135 yards, leading the Longhorns to a 21-point fourth-quarter finish. This performance would also help Texas earn Cheez-It National Team of the Week, making it the sixth time doing so. Texas is back home in
the Darrell K. Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium to take on Wyoming this Saturday, Sept. 16 at 7
p.m. CT.
Chuck Bednarik Award – Defensive Player of the Week – Jaden Hicks – DB – Washington State
Washington State defensive back Jaden Hicks has been named the Chuck Bednarik Award Defensive Player of the Week after leading Washington State to an upset of No. 19 Wisconsin. In the 31-22 victory, the Cougar sophomore tallied nine tackles, seven solos, a tackle for loss, forced a fumble and broke up two passes. Hicks’ tremendous play from start to finish led the way for the Cougars. Hicks began the game with 2 solo tackles on Wisconsin’s Braelon Allen, leading to a three-and-out to set Washington State up with the first points of the game, then finished his great play with a forced fumble that sealed the deal. The Cougars look to move to 3- 0 this week when they take on the Northern Colorado Bears at home.
Shaun Alexander Freshman Player of the Week – Anthony Hill Jr. – LB – Texas
Texas Linebacker Anthony Hill Jr. has been named the Shaun Alexander Freshman of the Week after a dominant showing in the Texas upset against No. 3 Alabama. The 6 ‘3 234 freshman would lead the Longhorn defense, making 6 tackles with 2 tackles for loss and two sacks. Hill would also record his first sack for the program during their trip down to Tuscaloosa. Texas returns home to Darrell K. Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium to take on Wyoming this
Saturday, Sept. 16 at 7 p.m. CT.
WEEK ONE PLAYERS OF THE WEEK
Maxwell Award Player of the Week – Jordan Travis – QB – Florida State
Florida State quarterback Jordan Travis has been named the Maxwell Award Player of the Week after a dominant performance over No.5 LSU this past weekend. Travis posted a career- high four passing touchdowns in their 45-24 win, completing 23-of-31 passing for 342 yards and rushing for 38 yards and 1 touchdown. The 6-1, 212 pounds red-shirt senior currently leads the ACC in total offense (380.0), passing yards (342.0), passing touchdowns (4), passing yards per attempt (11.03), and touchdown responsibility (5). As well as being the only player nationally with 4 passing touchdowns and 1 rushing touchdown against an FBS opponent this season. The Seminoles will be back home this weekend to take on Southern Mississippi.
Stats: 23-of-31 passing for 342 yards and 4 touchdowns; 7 rushes for 38 yards and 1
touchdown
Bednarik Award Player of the Week – Kaimon Rucker – LB – North Carolina
North Carolina linebacker Kaimon Rucker was named the Chuck Bednarik Award Player of the Week after their win against rival South Carolina this past Saturday. The 6’2, 265-pound senior linebacker led the North Carolina defense, making 8 tackles, 2 sacks, and a 5.5 TFL. This would aid North Carolina in their showing against USC, ending 31-17. The Tar Heels will be back in Chapel Hill to host Appalachian State this coming Saturday, Sept. 9 at 5:15.
Stats: 8 tackles; 2 sacks; 5.5 TFL
Shaun Alexander Freshman of the Year Award Player of the Week – Dylan Edwards – RB – Colorado
Colorado RB Dylan Edwards has been named the Shaun Alexander Freshman of the Year player of the week after helping lead the Buffaloes to a massive Week 1 victory over No. 17 TCU. In the 45-42 shootout, the 5-9, 170-pound Edwards rushed 6 times for 24 yards and a touchdown, while adding 5 receptions for 135 yards and 3 touchdowns through the air. Edwards set three school records in his debut, including most receiving yards and most receiving touchdowns by a running back. The Buffaloes look to build on their upset when they welcome Nebraska to Boulder this Saturday.