The road to the 2026 college football season is underway, and Pac-12 student-athletes and coaches are earning national attention across preseason accolades. For a recap of the latest national award watch list selections, including players from across the league, follow along here as the Pac-12's top talent is recognized among the nation's best heading into 2026.
Aug. 10, 2026 - Paul Hornung Award
The Paul Hornung Award is presented annually by the Louisville Sports Commission to the most versatile player in major college football in memory of the late football legend and Louisville native Paul Hornung.
Aug. 7, 2026 - Lou Groza Collegiate Placekicker Award
The Lou Groza Award is presented annually to the most outstanding kicker in NCAA Division I College Football. The Award is named for National Football League Hall of Fame kicker Lou “The Toe” Groza, who played 21 seasons with the Cleveland Browns. Groza won four NFL championships with Cleveland and was named NFL Player of the Year in 1954. Although an All-Pro offensive lineman as well, Groza ushered in the notion that there should be a place on an NFL roster for a kicker.
Aug. 6, 2026 - Rimington Trophy
The Rimington Trophy is presented annually to the most outstanding center in NCAA Division I College Football.
Aug. 5, 2026 - John Mackey Award
The John Mackey Award is presented annually to the most outstanding collegiate tight end in college football. Named in honor of Pro Football Hall of Famer John Mackey, the award has recognized the nation's top tight end since 2000.
Aug. 4, 2026 - Bronko Nagurski Trophy
The Bronko Nagurski Trophy is awarded to the nation’s defensive player of the year and are presented by the Football Writers Association of America (FWAA) and the Charlotte Touchdown Club.
Aug. 4, 2026 - Outland Trophy
The Outland Trophy is awarded to the nation’s top interior offensive lineman as voted by the Football Writers Association of America (FWAA) All-America Committee after input from the association’s full membership.
Aug. 3, 2026 - Maxwell Award
The Maxwell Award is presented annually to the outstanding player in college football. The Maxwell Award has been presented to the College Player of the Year since 1937 and is named in honor of Robert "Tiny" Maxwell, who was a former standout at Swarthmore College and a renowned sportswriter and football official.
July 20, 2026 - Allstate AFCA Good Works Team
The Allstate AFCA Good Works Team recognizes college football student-athletes who demonstrate exceptional commitment to community service, academics and athletics. Established in 1992 and presented by Allstate since 2008, the program honors players who use their platforms to strengthen communities and support causes important to them.
Pac-12 Student-Athletes and Coaches Recognized
July 20, 2026 -
Shriners Children's East-West Bowl 1000
The Shriners Children’s East-West Bowl 1000 serves as a look into our scouting process, as well as begin to preview college players who are currently all-star game eligible for the 2027 Shriners Children’s East-West Bowl and 2027 NFL Draft class.
The Shriners Children’s East-West Bowl is an all-star event that will take place at AT&T Stadium in Arlington,TX on February 4, 2027. Selected players will be coached by NFL coaches, in an NFL facility, and will have access to NFL-level resources, facilities, player-friendly schedules, and opportunities at the highest level.
Twenty-six Pac-12 players were selected as players to watch, led by seven Boise State Broncos.
Pac-12 Student-Athletes Recognized
July 9, 2026 - The Dodd Trophy
Managed by Peach Bowl, Inc., The Dodd Trophy celebrates the head coach of a team who enjoys success on the gridiron, while also stressing the importance of
scholarship, leadership and integrity – the three pillars of legendary coach Bobby Dodd's coaching philosophy. The award was established to honor the NCAA Football Bowl Subdivision (formerly Division 1A) head football coach whose program represents the highest ideals on and off the field.
Pac-12 Head Coaches Recognized