As August comes to a start, a new group of Illinois athletes made it onto award watchlists.
Maxwell Award: quarterback Luke Altmyer
The Robert Maxwell Award is one of college football’s most prestigious honors. Illinois’ own Luke Altmyer was announced on the official watchlist. An Illini athlete has yet to receive this outstanding honor.
Altmyer has his work cut out for him. The list this year is composed of 80 athletes, with over half being quarterbacks.
“The Maxwell Award serves as a tribute to his legacy by celebrating players who exemplify the skill, sportsmanship, and dedication that Maxwell valued,” the award’s website reads.
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The award is given to those with the athletic ability and also the qualities that Maxwell showcased.
Outland Trophy: offensive lineman J.C. Davis
The Outland Trophy is yet another award that an Illini has yet to win. This award is specifically for both offensive and defensive linemen in college football. However, it is for interior linemen only.
This award was created by Dr. John Outland, a former All-American. Dr. Outland decided certain players needed more attention.
“Dr. Outland believed linemen did not get the credit they deserved and wanted an award to recognize them,” says the official FWAA Outland Trophy website.
Davis earns his spot on this watchlist after 37 consecutive starts and the honor of the Illinois Division of Intercollegiate Athletics Illini newcomer of the year.
Bronko Nagurski Trophy: outside linebacker Gabe Jacas and defensive back Xavier Scott
Jacas and Scott were both named to the Bronko Nagurski Trophy watchlist. This award honors the top defensive players on the field.
“The Football Writers Association of America has enjoyed its relationship with the Charlotte Touchdown Club and the Bronko Nagurski Trophy,” Steve Richardson said on the official trophy website. “We think it is a very worthwhile award that honors the best player on the defensive side of the ball in college football.”
Jacas and Scott are among the 60 defensive athletes across the country on the watchlist. The duo makes Illinois one of the 12 schools with more than one athlete represented on the watchlist.
These four Illini have a chance to win three awards for the first time in program history this 2025 season.
@lauram31
