Miami, FL, August 14, 2025
News Summary
Keyone Jenkins from Florida International University and Maverick McIvor from Western Kentucky University have secured spots on the preliminary list for the prestigious Maxwell Award. This award recognizes the top player in college football annually, with a legacy dating back to 1937. Both players have demonstrated outstanding performance on the field, with Jenkins earning the title of Conference USA Preseason Offensive Player of the Year and McIvor being a finalist for the Walter Payton Award. They are poised to compete for further accolades as the season unfolds.
Miami, FL — Florida International University (FIU) quarterback Keyone Jenkins and Western Kentucky University (WKU) quarterback Maverick McIvor have made the preliminary list of contenders for the prestigious Maxwell Award, with their names among the first 80 announced on Monday. The Maxwell Award is annually given to the top player in college football, a tradition dating back to 1937.
The award is named after Robert “Tiny” Maxwell, a notable figure in sports history who was both a football player at Swarthmore College and a respected sportswriter and official. This recognition underscores the athletic prowess and achievements of college players across the United States.
Jenkins, now a junior, is entering his third season with FIU. His exceptional talent on the field earned him the title of Conference USA Preseason Offensive Player of the Year. Last year, he completed 188 passes totaling 2,557 yards, with a commendable record of 22 touchdowns against 8 interceptions. His consistent performance also placed him on the CUSA Preseason Watch List and included selections to the All-CUSA Preseason Second Team by Athlon Sports and Phil Steele.
In contrast, McIvor’s journey took him from Abilene Christian University to WKU, where he has continued to shine. In his recent season, he completed 312 passes for an impressive 3,828 yards and threw 30 touchdowns. His exceptional statistics positioned him as a finalist for the Walter Payton Award, often deemed the “FCS Heisman” for its recognition of the best offensive players in the Football Championships Subdivision. Notably, McIvor ranked second nationally in both passing yards and completions, while leading the nation in passing attempts for a single season.
Adding to his accolades, McIvor is one of five WKU players recognized on the Conference USA watch list, highlighting the competitive nature of this year’s college football landscape.
The selection process for the Maxwell Award continues, with semifinalists to be revealed on November 11. Following this, the three finalists will be announced on November 25, leading to the announcement of the 89th Maxwell Award winner during the ESPN Home Depot College Football Awards Show on December 11. The formal presentation of the Maxwell Award will take place at the Maxwell Football Club Awards on March 13, 2026, in Atlanta, emphasizing the significant prestige associated with this accolade.
This early recognition for both Jenkins and McIvor underscores their skills and potential, as college football combines tradition with modern athletic excellence to identify standout players. As the season progresses, all eyes will be on these competitors as they strive for further accolades in their respective collegiate careers.
FAQ
What is the Maxwell Award?
The Maxwell Award is an annual award presented to the top player in college football, established in 1937 and named after Robert “Tiny” Maxwell.
Who are the recent players nominated for the Maxwell Award?
The most recent players nominated include Keyone Jenkins from FIU and Maverick McIvor from WKU.
When will the semifinalists and finalists for the Maxwell Award be announced?
Semifinalists will be announced on November 11, and the three finalists will be revealed on November 25.
When is the winner of the Maxwell Award announced?
The winner will be announced during the ESPN Home Depot College Football Awards Show on December 11.
What notable achievements did Keyone Jenkins and Maverick McIvor accomplish in the last season?
Keyone Jenkins completed 188 passes for 2,557 yards, totaling 22 touchdowns and 8 interceptions. Maverick McIvor completed 312 passes for 3,828 yards and threw 30 touchdowns.
Key Features Overview
| Player | University | Passing Yards | Touchdowns | Interceptions | Awards |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Keyone Jenkins | FIU | 2,557 | 22 | 8 | Preseason Offensive Player of the Year |
| Maverick McIvor | WKU | 3,828 | 30 | 0 | Finalist for Walter Payton Award |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Bowling Green Aims to Retain State Championship in Football
WKU Football Players Recognized for Notable Awards
WKU Quarterback Maverick McIvor Named to Maxwell Award Watch List
Additional Resources
- WKU Sports News
- Sports Illustrated
- The News Enterprise
- Bowling Green Daily News
- Google Search: Maxwell Award
- Wikipedia: Maxwell Award
Author: STAFF HERE BOWLING GREEN WRITER
The BOWLING GREEN STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBowlingGreen.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Bowling Green, Warren County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the National Corvette Homecoming, International Festival, concerts at SKyPAC, and sports events at Beech Bend Park. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Bowling Green Area Chamber of Commerce and the African American Museum Bowling Green Area, plus leading businesses in automotive, apparel, and healthcare that power the local economy such as General Motors Corvette Assembly Plant, Fruit of the Loom, and Med Center Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERELexingtonKY.com and HERELouisville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Kentucky's dynamic landscape.
