clock menu more-arrow no yes mobile

Filed under:

2023 MAC Preseason Watchlist Tracker

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

By Steve Helwick
/ new
Ohio v Iowa State Photo by David K Purdy/Getty Images

College football is around the corner, and nothing signifies that more than the release of preseason watchlists. Watchlist season officially launched July 31 and continues throughout the first half of August. From the Maxwell Award to the Davey O’Brien Award to the Nagurski Award to the Butkus Award, there is steady MAC representation throughout each 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 2023:

Maxwell Award

Release date: July 31

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

MAC selections:

  • Alex Adams, WR, Akron (Jr.)
  • Marquez Cooper, RB, Ball State (Jr.)
  • Samson Evans, RB, Eastern Michigan (Sr.)
  • Kurtis Rourke, QB, Ohio (Sr.)
  • Dequan Finn, QB, Toledo (Jr.)

Full list

RoofClaim.com Boca Raton Bowl - Liberty v Toledo
Dequan Finn led Toledo to its first MAC championship since 2017 and first bowl victory since 2015 last season.
Photo by Megan Briggs/Getty Images

Outland Trophy

Release date: August 1

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:

  • Ethan Crowe, C, Ball State (Jr.)
  • Nolan Potter, OT, Northern Illinois (Sr.)
  • Deiyantei Powell-Woods, OT, Central Michigan (Sr.)
  • Nick Rosi, OT, Toledo (Jr.)
  • Daymond Williams, DT, Buffalo (Sr.)

Full list

COLLEGE FOOTBALL: SEP 24 NIU at Kentucky
Nolan Potter is a two-time All-MAC selection at right tackle and anchored NIU’s offense to a 2021 conference championship.
Photo by Jeff Moreland/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

Nagurski Trophy

Release date: August 1

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:

  • Shaun Dolac, ILB, Buffalo (Sr.)
  • Marcus Fuqua, FS, Buffalo (Sr.)
  • Maxen Hook, SS, Toledo (Jr.)
  • Donte Kent, CB, Central Michigan (Jr.)
  • Quinyon Mitchell, CB, Toledo (Jr.)
  • Devonte O’Malley, DT, Northern Illinois (Jr.)

Full list

NCAA Football: Buffalo at Coastal Carolina
Shaun Dolac led all MAC players and ranked second in the FBS with 147 tackles last season.
David Yeazell-USA TODAY Sports

Total Appearances

By player:

  • Alex Adams, WR, Akron (Jr.) — 1
  • Marquez Cooper, RB, Ball State (Jr.) — 1
  • Ethan Crowe, C, Ball State (Jr.) — 1
  • Shaun Dolac, ILB, Buffalo (Sr.) — 1
  • Samson Evans, RB, Eastern Michigan (Sr.) — 1
  • Dequan Finn, QB, Toledo (Jr.) — 1
  • Marcus Fuqua, FS, Buffalo (Sr.) — 1
  • Maxen Hook, SS, Toledo (Jr.) — 1
  • Donte Kent, CB, Central Michigan (Jr.) — 1
  • Quinyon Mitchell, CB, Toledo (Jr.) — 1
  • Devonte O’Malley, DT, Northern Illinois (Jr.) — 1
  • Nolan Potter, OT, Northern Illinois (Sr.) — 1
  • Deiyantei Powell-Woods, OT, Central Michigan (Sr.)
  • Nick Rosi, OT, Toledo (Jr.) — 1
  • Kurtis Rourke, QB, Ohio (Sr.) — 1
  • Daymond Williams, DT, Buffalo (Sr.) — 1

By school:

  • Toledo — 4
  • Buffalo — 3
  • Ball State — 2
  • Central Michigan — 2
  • Northern Illinois — 2
  • Akron — 1
  • Eastern Michigan — 1
  • Ohio — 1

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.

More From Hustle Belt

Loading comments...