Underdog Watch Lists: Maxwell and Bednarik Awards

As the national award watch lists are announced throughout July, we’ll let you know which Group of 5 players are preseason candidates for them. The watch lists will come out each weekday from July 10 until July 21.

The first two lists were announced today, the Bednarik and Maxwell award watch lists. The Bednarik Award recognizes the best defensive player in the nation, while the Maxwell Award recognizes the best overall player.

Bednarik Award Watch List

Maxwell Award Watch List

Josh Allen, QB - Wyoming Cowboys

Jalin Moore, RB - Appalachian State Mountaineers

Ed Oliver, DT - Houston Cougars

Brett Rypien, QB - Boise State Broncos

Selections by conference:

AAC: Nine

C-USA: Five

Sun Belt: Four

Ed Oliver of Houston is the only G5 player to make both lists.