2022 MAC Preseason Watchlist Tracker

Which MAC players are nominated for preseason watchlists? Find a complete list here.

By Steve Helwick@s_helwick Jul 20, 2022, 10:00am EDT

COLLEGE FOOTBALL: DEC 23 Frisco Football Classic Bowl - North Texas v Miami (OH)

July is the final month without a college football game until February. Although it’s a slow time of the year, one thing this month signifies is the arrival of watchlist season. From the Davey O’Brien Award to the Lombardi Award, preseason watchlists suddenly drop at an expeditious pace. Each one contains a litany of names, and typically, at least one MAC player is present on any given watchlist.

Below we have documented a complete list of MAC players whose names adorn preseason watchlists recognized by the National College Football Awards Association (NCFAA) for 2022:

Maxwell Award

Release date: July 18

Who wins this award? “The Maxwell Award is presented to the best player in college football.”

MAC selections:

Lew Nichols, RB, Central Michigan (So.)
Hassan Beydoun, WR, Eastern Michigan (Sr.)
Marquez Cooper, RB, Kent State (Jr.)
Brett Gabbert, QB, Miami (Jr.)
Dequan Finn, QB, Toledo (So.)
Sean Tyler, RB, Western Michigan (Jr.)

NCAA Football: Sun Bowl-Washington State at Central Michigan — Central Michigan RB Lew Nichols appears on the Maxwell Award watchlist after ranking atop in the FBS in rushing yards last season with 1,848.

Davey O’Brien Award

Release date: July 19

Who wins this award? “The Davey O’Brien National Quarterback Award is presented annually to the nation’s best college quarterback and is the nation’s oldest and most prestigious national quarterback award.”

MAC selections:

Brett Gabbert, QB, Miami (Jr.)

NCAA Football: Frisco Football Classic-Miami (Ohio) at North Texas — Miami QB Brett Gabbert is the only current quarterback in the conference to have an All-MAC selection. In the Frisco Football Classic, he led the RedHawks to their first bowl win since 2010 and won Offensive MVP honors.

Doak Walker Award

Release date: July 20

Who wins this award? “The prestigious Doak Walker Award was created in 1989 to recognize the nation’s premier running back for his accomplishments on the field, achievement in the classroom and citizenship in the community.”

MAC selections:

Lew Nichols, RB, Central Michigan (So.)
Samson Evans, RB, Eastern Michigan (Jr.)
Antario Brown, RB, Northern Illinois (So.)
Harrison Waylee, RB, Northern Illinois (So.)
Sean Tyler, RB, Western Michigan (Jr.)

COLLEGE FOOTBALL: SEP 04 NIU at Georgia Tech — Northern Illinois RB Harrison Waylee accumulated 574 rushing yards and four touchdowns in 2021 before suffering a season-ending injury in Week 5. Waylee looks to build upon his impressive 114.8 rushing yards per game average in 2022.

Biletnikoff Award

Release date: July 21

Who wins this award? “The Biletnikoff Award is presented annually to the season’s outstanding college football receiver regardless of position (the award defines receiver as any player who catches a pass hence, tight ends, slot receivers and backs, inside receivers, wide receivers, split ends, and running backs are eligible) by the Tallahassee Quarterback Club Foundation, Inc., (TQCF).”

MAC selections:

Jayshon Jackson, WR, Ball State (Sr.)
Quian Williams, WR, Buffalo (Sr.)
Hassan Beydoun, WR, Eastern Michigan (Sr.)
Dante Cephas, WR, Kent State (Jr.)
Trayvon Rudolph, WR, Northern Illinois (So.)

COLLEGE FOOTBALL: DEC 25 Camellia Bowl - Ball State v Georgia State — Ball State WR Jayshon Jackson experienced a career-year with the Cardinals after transferring from Cincinnati. He topped his 2021 campaign off with a 12-reception, 146-yard performance against Georgia State in the Camellia Bowl.

John Mackey Award

Release date: July 22

Who wins this award? “Given annually to the most outstanding collegiate tight end, the award recipient is selected by vote of the John Mackey Award Selection Committee.”

MAC selections:

Christian Sims, TE, Bowling Green (Sr.)
Kris Leach, TE, Kent State (Sr.)

Bowling Green v Miami Ohio — Bowling Green TE Christian Sims led all MAC tight ends in 2021 in receptions (41) and receiving yards (418).

Rimington Trophy

Release date: July 22

Who wins this award? “... awarded to Division I-A college football’s most outstanding center.”

MAC selections:

Jacob Gideon, C, Western Michigan (So.)

COLLEGE FOOTBALL: NOV 16 Western Michigan at Eastern Michigan — Western Michigan C Jacob Gideon never saw a collegiate snap before last fall. Still, the rising star qualified for the Rimington Trophy watchlist after his first season of action in Kalamazoo.

Butkus Award

Release date: July 25

Who wins this award? “When a player receives the Butkus Award he will know two things. First, he is recognized as the best of the best linebackers in America. Second, and in the long run most important, he will understand that this recognition brings a responsibility to serve others by giving back.”

MAC selections:

Darren Anders, ILB, Bowling Green (Sr.)
James Patterson, ILB, Buffalo (Sr.)

COLLEGE FOOTBALL: SEP 02 Wagner at Buffalo — Buffalo ILB James Patterson ranked top five in the MAC in tackles each of the past two seasons. Last year, he recorded career-highs in tackles, tackles for loss, and sacks.

Jim Thorpe Award

Release date: July 25

Who wins this award? “Presented to the nation’s best defensive back in college football.”

MAC selections:

Jordan Anderson, FS, Bowling Green (Sr.)
C.J. Brown, SS, Northern Illinois (So.)
Dorian Jackson, CB, Western Michigan (Sr.)

2021 MAC Championship - Kent State v Northern Illinois — Northern Illinois SS C.J. Brown assumed the starting role for the Huskies after a Week 1 season-ending injury to Devin Lafayette. Brown exceeded all expectations fulfilling the vacancy, recording 10 tackles and a pick six in the MAC title game.

Outland Trophy

Release date: July 26

Who wins this award? “Presented to the nation’s best interior lineman... Only interior linemen on offense or defense are eligible for the award; ends are not eligible.”

MAC selections:

Daymond Williams, DT, Buffalo (Sr.)
Sidy Sow, G, Eastern Michigan (Sr.)
Nolan Potter, OT, Northern Illinois (Jr.)
Desjuan Johnson, DT, Toledo (Sr.)

COLLEGE FOOTBALL: SEP 11 Eastern Michigan at Wisconsin — Eastern Michigan G Sidy Sow earned First Team All-MAC honors in 2021. The Quebec native is a longtime staple in Ypsilanti, recording 42 starts as an Eagle.

Nagurski Trophy

Release date: July 26

Who wins this award? “Created in 1993 by the Football Writers Association of America, the Bronko Nagurski Trophy is awarded to the best defensive player in college football and is presented by the Charlotte Touchdown Club.”

MAC selections:

Darren Anders, ILB, Bowling Green (Sr.)
James Patterson, ILB, Buffalo (Sr.)
C.J. Brown, SS, Northern Illinois (So.)
Jamal Hines, OLB, Toledo (Sr.)

COLLEGE FOOTBALL: SEP 29 Toledo at Fresno State — Toledo OLB Jamal Hines recorded career-highs in tackles (88), tackles for loss (15), and sacks (9.5) in 2021. Last year’s defense was the Rockets’ best during Hines’ tenure, ranking 28th nationally in opponent points per game.

Lou Groza Award

Release date: July 27

Who wins this award? “This award, presented for a number of years by the Orange Bowl Committee, is given annually to the nation’s top collegiate place-kicker as determined by a voting panel of Division 1 head coaches, sports writers and sportscasters from across the county, conference representatives, professional kickers and previous winners.”

MAC selections:

John Richardson, K, Northern Illinois (Jr.)

2021 Cure Bowl - Northern Illinois v Coastal Carolina — Northern Illinois K John Richardson has four career game-winning field goals, including a time-expiring kick against Ball State last November. Richardson excelled from distance in 2021, sinking 6-of-7 kicks from 40-49 yards.

Ray Guy Award

Release date: July 27

Who wins this award? “The Ray Guy Award - named for football’s premier punter - honors the nation’s best collegiate punter.”

MAC selections:

Luke Elzinga, P, Central Michigan (So.)
Dom Dzioban, P, Miami (OH) (So.)
Nick Mihalic, P, Western Michigan (Sr.)

NCAA Football: Western Michigan at Michigan — Western Michigan P Nick Mihalic averaged a career-high 43.0 yards per punt in 2021. He also handled field goal duties and sunk nine of his 11 attempts.

Paul Hornung Award

Release date: July 28

Who wins this award? “The mission of the Paul Hornung Award presented by Texas Roadhouse is to recognize and reward versatile, high-level performers in major college football.”

MAC selections:

Ron Cook Jr., RB, Buffalo (Sr.)
Hassan Beydoun, WR, Eastern Michigan (Sr.)
Jalen Walker, WR, Miami (OH) (Sr.)
Trayvon Rudolph, WR, Northern Illinois (So.)
Devin Maddox, WR, Toledo (Jr.)
Sean Tyler, RB, Western Michigan (Jr.)

NCAA Football: Quick Lane Bowl-Nevada at Western Michigan — Western Michigan RB Sean Tyler won MVP honors of the 2021 Quick Lane Bowl. In addition to 146 rushing yards, the Broncos halfback displayed his versatility by returning a kickoff for a touchdown.

Wuerffel Trophy

Release date: July 28

Who wins this award? “Established in 2005, The Wuerffel Trophy honors college football athletes who are serving others, while also achieving greatness on the football field and in the classroom.”

MAC selections:

Brandon Martin, ILB, Ball State (Sr.)
Matt McDonald, QB, Bowling Green (Sr.)
Austin Osborne, WR, Bowling Green (Sr.)
Max Michel, DE, Buffalo (Sr.)
Tariq Speights, ILB, Eastern Michigan (Sr.)
Isaac Vance, WR, Kent State (Sr.)
Nick Rattin, ILB, Northern Illinois (Jr.)
Mitchell Berg, OT, Toledo (Sr.)
Boone Bonnema, ILB, Western Michigan (So.)

NCAA Football: Arizona Bowl-Ball State vs San Jose State — Ball State ILB Brandon Martin won the 2020 MAC Co-Defensive Player of the Year honors. He ranked No. 1 in the conference in tackles that year and enters his final season in Muncie with 237 career tackles.

Walter Camp Award

Release date: July 29

Who wins this award? “Player of the year... voted on by the 130 NCAA Bowl Subdivision head coaches and sports information directors.”

MAC selections:

Lew Nichols, RB, Central Michigan (So.)
Dante Cephas, WR, Kent State (Jr.)
Brett Gabbert, QB, Miami (Jr.)

COLLEGE FOOTBALL: NOV 03 NIU at Kent State — Kent State WR Dante Cephas tallied 100 yards in seven of 14 contests during a breakout 2021 campaign. The 1,240 receiving yards he attained in the season ranks second in program history.

Chuck Bednarik Award

Release date: August 1

Who wins this award? “The Chuck Bednarik Award is presented to the best defensive player in college football (presented by the Maxwell Football Club).”

Darren Anders, ILB, Bowling Green (Sr.)
James Patterson, ILB, Buffalo (Sr.)
Jose Ramirez, DE, Eastern Michigan (Jr.)
C.J. Brown, SS, Northern Illinois (So.)
Jamal Hines, OLB, Toledo (Sr.)

COLLEGE FOOTBALL: NOV 11 Eastern Michigan at Ball State — Eastern Michigan DE Jose Ramirez recorded 6.5 sacks, 11 tackles for loss, and two forced fumbles in a standout sophomore season for the Eagles.

Total Appearances

By player:

Darren Anders, ILB, Bowling Green (Sr.) — 3
Hassan Beydoun, WR, Eastern Michigan (Sr.) — 3
C.J. Brown, SS, Northern Illinois (So.) — 3
Brett Gabbert, QB, Miami (Jr.) — 3
Lew Nichols, RB, Central Michigan (So.) — 3
James Patterson, ILB, Buffalo (Sr.) — 3
Sean Tyler, RB, Western Michigan (Jr.) — 3
Dante Cephas, WR, Kent State (Jr.) — 2
Jamal Hines, OLB, Toledo (Sr.) — 2
Trayvon Rudolph, WR, Northern Illinois (So.) — 2
Jordan Anderson, FS, Bowling Green (Sr.) — 1
Mitchell Berg, OT, Toledo (Sr.) — 1
Boone Bonnema, ILB, Western Michigan (So.) — 1
Antario Brown, RB, Northern Illinois (So.) — 1
Ron Cook Jr., RB, Buffalo (Sr.) — 1
Marquez Cooper, RB, Kent State (Jr.) — 1
Dom Dzioban, P, Miami (OH) (So.) — 1
Luke Elzinga, P, Central Michigan (So.) — 1
Samson Evans, RB, Eastern Michigan (Jr.) — 1
Dequan Finn, QB, Toledo (So.) — 1
Jacob Gideon, C, Western Michigan (So.) — 1
Dorian Jackson, CB, Western Michigan (Sr.) — 1
Jayshon Jackson, WR, Ball State (Sr.) — 1
Desjuan Johnson, DT, Toledo (Sr.) — 1
Kris Leach, TE, Kent State (Sr.) — 1
Devin Maddox, WR, Toledo (Jr.) — 1
Brandon Martin, ILB, Ball State (Sr.) — 1
Matt McDonald, QB, Bowling Green (Sr.) — 1
Max Michel, DE, Buffalo (Sr.) — 1
Nick Mihalic, P, Western Michigan (Sr.) — 1
Austin Osborne, WR, Bowling Green (Sr.) — 1
Nolan Potter, OT, Northern Illinois (Jr.) — 1
Jose Ramirez, DE, Eastern Michigan (Jr.) — 1
Nick Rattin, ILB, Northern Illinois (Jr.) — 1
John Richardson, K, Northern Illinois (Jr.) — 1
Sidy Sow, G, Eastern Michigan (Sr.) — 1
Christian Sims, TE, Bowling Green (Sr.) — 1
Tariq Speights, ILB, Eastern Michigan (Sr.) — 1
Isaac Vance, WR, Kent State (Sr.) — 1
Jalen Walker, WR, Miami (OH) (Sr.) — 1
Harrison Waylee, RB, Northern Illinois (So.) — 1
Daymond Williams, DT, Buffalo (Sr.) — 1
Quian Williams, WR, Buffalo (Sr.) — 1

By school:

Northern Illinois — 10
Bowling Green — 7
Buffalo — 7
Eastern Michigan — 7
Western Michigan — 7
Toledo — 6
Kent State — 5
Miami (OH) — 5
Central Michigan — 4
Ball State — 2
Akron — 0
Ohio — 0

The winners of the aforementioned awards will be announced in November and December. Appearing on a preseason watchlist is not a prerequisite for winning an award.