2021 Maxwell Award Semifinalists announced

The Maxwell Award is presented annually to the college football player who’s judged to be the best all-around player in the nation. It’s almost become a precursor to the Heisman Trophy — as many of Maxwell Award recipients have won the Heisman as well

Prior to the season, among the favorites to win the award were Oklahoma’s Spencer Rattler, North Carolina’s Sam Howell and Miami’s D’Eriq King. Additionally, Clemson’s D.J. Uiagalelei and Georgia’s J.T. Daniels were in the conversation.

Leave it to college football to be unpredictable, as many of the original favorites didn’t elevate to Maxwell Award Semifinalists. Still, the crop of players selected would all make worthy recipients of the award.

2021 Maxwell Award Semifinalists:

Bijan Robinson, RB, Texas

Breece Hall, RB, Iowa State

Brennan Armstrong, QB, Virginia

Bryce Young, QB, Alabama

C.J. Stroud, QB, Ohio State

Desmond Ridder, QB, Cincinnati

Drake London, WR, USC

Grayson McCall, QB, Coastal Carolina

Kenneth Walker III, RB, Michigan State

Kenny Pickett, QB, Pittsburgh

Malik Willis, QB, Liberty

Matt Corral, QB, Ole Miss

Sam Hartman, QB, Wake Forest

Sean Tucker, RB, Syracuse

Tanner Mordecai, QB, SMU

Top Contenders

Of the 15 Maxwell Award Semifinalists, there are some top contenders who have separated themselves from the pack with their play. If you want to know who they are, look no further than the updated odds for the Heisman Trophy.

Following Week 9, the current favorite for the Heisman is Alabama’s Bryce Young (+190). Afterwards, Ole Miss’ Matt Corral (+275) and C.J. Stroud follow (+450). Finally, Kenneth Walker III of Michigan State rounds out the top picks as the running back with the best odds (+500).

If history serves correct, one of those players will likely win either the Heisman Trophy or the Maxwell Award. Odds are the same player will win both — six of the last seven winners of the Maxwell Award ended up with the Heisman Trophy as well.