The Maxwell Football Club announced Monday that University of Louisville quarterback Tyler Shough is one of 80 candidates on the watch list for the 88th Maxwell Award, presented annually to the most outstanding player in college football.
The Maxwell Award, named in honor of Robert “Tiny” Maxwell, a former standout at Swarthmore College and renowned sportswriter and football official, has been presented to the College Player of the Year since 1937.
Shough, now entering his seventh year, transferred to Louisville in the spring of 2024 and participated in spring practice. In 2023, Shough threw for 746 yards and seven touchdowns, despite missing time due to injury. During his three seasons at Texas Tech, he accumulated 2,922 passing yards and 20 touchdowns.
The Maxwell Award watch list includes a broad spectrum of Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) programs and conferences, featuring five returning semifinalists: Jalen Milroe (Alabama), Carson Beck (Georgia), Kaidon Salter (Liberty), Luther Burden III (Missouri), and Ollie Gordon II (Oklahoma State). Miami and Ohio State lead the way with three candidates each, while 15 additional schools have two players represented. The ACC boasts 20 candidates, followed by the SEC and Big 12 with 15 each, and the Big Ten with 12.
Michael Penix Jr. from the University of Washington, the 2023 Maxwell Award winner, was selected by the Atlanta Falcons in the first round of the NFL draft.
