Miami Hurricane Football 2024 Awards Tracker: Lombardi Award Watch List
Another watch list for the former All-American freshman in star sophomore Rueben Bain Jr. In the same vein quarterback Cameron Ward, is starting to become known with many defensive watchlists that have been released. This time for the Rueben Bain Jr., RE, Miami(FL)
This prestigious accolade continues to honor the Outstanding College Football Lineman, whether on offense or defense, who displays exceptional performance and ability and embodies the character and discipline that Vince Lombardi championed throughout his life.
Bain was named the 2023 ACC Defensive Rookie of the Year, and put together a standout debut campaign for his hometown Hurricanes.
The 6-foot-3, 275-pound defensive lineman tallied 44 tackles, 12.5 tackles for loss, and 7.5 sacks over 13 games, earning consensus Freshman All-American honors.
Lombardi Award:
Rueben Bain Jr., RE, Miami(FL)
Former Lombardi Award Watch List Winners
1994 – Warren Sapp, DT, Miami (FL)
University of Miami sophomore Francis Mauigoa and senior Francisco Mauigoa were tabbed to the preseason watch list for the 2024 Polynesian College Football Player of the Year Award, the Polynesian Football Hall of Fame announced Thursday.
This award is one of the newest compared to other awards in this watchlist. The first award was awarded to former Oregon quarterback, Marcus Mariota in 2014 and has followed suit since that impressive season.
The 6-foot-6, 315-pound standout started all 13 games at right tackle for Miami, earning 2023 Freshman All-America honors and an All-ACC Honorable Mention selection.
With Francis a part of the unit upfront, the Hurricanes posted the second-most yards per game (431.2) and the third-highest scoring offense (31.5) in the ACC.
on the opposite side of the trenches, Francisco emerged as one of the top linebackers in the conference.
Selected last season to the All-ACC Second Team, the elder Mauigoa brother totaled a team-high 82 tackles and 18 tackles for loss.
Francisco Mauigoa, LB, Miami (FL)
Francis Mauigoa, OL, Miami (FL)
More and more watchlists are starting to be released and the name Cameron Ward seems to be on every single one that deals with offense—this time he has been put on the watchlist for the Johnny Unitas Golden Arm award.
John Constantine Unitas and his “The Golden Arm” nickname lend their name to the award for the top upperclassman quarterback in college football. The Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award has been awarded since 1987, with winners judged against on-field accomplishments, academic achievement, and leadership qualities.
Ward has that golden arm and could be a finalist for the award as the season progresses. A transfer from Washington State, Ward totaled 6,963 yards and 48 touchdowns through the air for the Cougars. Complement that with is low turnover percentage and he is miles ahead of other quarterbacks around the country.
Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award
Cameron Ward, QB, Miami(FL)
Former Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Winners
- 1992 – Gino Torretta, Miami (FL)
University of Miami senior Francisco Mauigoa was named to the preseason watch list for the 2024 Butkus Award Tuesday, beginning the process to identify the top linebacker nationally.
The watch list features 51 student-athletes from 44 different programs across the country.
A 2023 All-ACC Second Team honoree, Mauigoa led Miami with a team-high 82 and 18 tackles for loss in his first year in Coral Gables. He also recorded 7.5 sacks, which was tied for the most by a Hurricane last season.
Butkus Award:
Francisco Mauigoa, LB, Miami (FL)
Former Butkus Award Winners:
2000 - Dan Morgan, LB, Miami (FL)
Sophomore defensive lineman Rueben Bain Jr. and senior linebacker Francisco Mauigoa were named to the preseason watch list for the Chuck Bednarik Award, presented annually to the most outstanding defensive player in college football, the Maxwell Football Club announced Monday.
These two players lead the defense in many statistical categories for the Hurricanes on the defensive side of the ball. Bain and Mauigoa were game wreckers in their way and with that, they had a great chance to be semi-finalist or finalist for the Bednarik Award.
For Bain, this preseason distinction is his second, as he was previously tabbed to the Preseason All-ACC team. For Mauigoa, the recognition is his third this offseason, earning spots on the Nagurski Trophy Watch List and the Preseason All-ACC team as well.
Bednarik Award:
Rueben Bain Jr., RE, Miami(FL)
Francisco Mauigoa, LB, Miami (FL)
Former Bednarik Award Winners:
- 2000 – Dan Morgan, LB, Miami (FL)
As more lists are released, Cam Ward can continue to be one of the decorated players to be added as he is named to the Davey O’Brien National Quarterback Award watch list.
So far, He has been named the ACC Preseason Player of the Year, Preseason All-ACC First Team, named to the Davey O'Brien Award, Walter Camp POY Award, and the Maxwell Award.
Ward is seen as one of the best quarterbacks in the country and the best in the ACC. With continual placement on the watch list, he will continue to rise in the mental rankings of other players from around the country.
Davey O'Brien Award:
Cameron Ward, QB, Miami(FL)
Former Davey O'Brien Award Winners
- 1992 – Gino Torretta, QB, Miami (FL)
- 1986 – Vinny Testaverde, QB, Miami (FL)
The University of Miami has three receivers on the watchlist for the Biletnikoff Award.
The Biletnikoff Award annually recognizes the college football season's outstanding FBS receiver. Any player, regardless of position (wide receiver, tight end, slot back, and running back) who catches a pass, is eligible for the award.
Two homegrown talents Xavier Restrepo and Jacolby George were spectacular last season even with the quarterback dilemma the duo went through. The addition of Samuel Brown out of the transfer portal from Houston also lands him on the list as well.
Three potential breakout season from the trio of recivers and with the addition of the preseason ACC Player of the Year in Cameron Ward, some awards could be headed to South Beach.
Biletnikoff Award:
Xavier Restrepo, WR, Miami (FL)
Jacolby George, WR, Miami (FL)
Samuel Brown, WR, Miami (FL)
University of Miami sophomore Emory Williams was named to the preseason watch list for the 2024 Comeback Player of the Year Award, as announced Wednesday by the College Sports Communicators in conjunction with The Associated Press and the Fiesta Bowl Organization.
Willams showed flashes of brilliance during his true freshman season after a disappointing outing from Tyler Van Dyke during last year's campaign. He took over the starting role for two games and even picked up a huge win against Clemson, but he got injured during the game's rivalry against Florida State.
The 6-foot-5, 220-pound quarterback completed 62 percent of his passes for 470 yards and three touchdowns before the injury and now he has been listed on the watchlist for Comeback Player of the Year.
Comeback Player of the Year:
Emory Williams, QB, Miami (FL)
Miami Hurricanes junior Damien Martinez was selected to the preseason watch list for the 2024 Doak Walker Award, as announced by the PwC SMU Athletic Forum Tuesday. The Forum annually presents the award to the nation’s most outstanding college running back.
A 2023 Doak Walker Award semifinalist, Martinez was one of the leading rushers in the country last season.
The watch list is comprised of 87 student-athletes, including 15 from the Atlantic Coast Conference.
The PwC SMU Athletic Forum Board of Directors will name 10 semifinalists in November. Three finalists, as voted on by the Doak Walker Award National Selection Committee, will also be announced in November.
Martinez finished 24th nationally with 1,185 yards on the ground, scoring nine touchdowns in his second season at Oregon State.
The committee will cast a second vote in December to determine the recipient. The National Selection Committee consists of past recipients, former NFL All-Pro and college All-America running backs, media members, and selected special representatives. The recipient of the 2024 Doak Walker Award will be announced live on The Home Depot College Football Awards on Dec. 12.
Doak Walker Award:
RB, Damien Martinez, Miami (FL)
Another watch list for the Washington State transfer quarterback and likely many more still to come. The Preseason All-ACC First Team QB Cameron Ward has already been placed in high regard by his peers and the media. Now he has been added to the Walter Camp Player of the Year watchlist.
Named after the “Father of American Football,” Walter Camp Award winners are honored for being the CollPlayer of the Year. Awarded since 1967 by the Walter Camp Football Foundation, winners are decided by a group of FBS head coaches and sports information directors.
The 6-foot-2, 223-pound quarterback completed 65.5 percent of his passes for 6,963 yards and 48 touchdowns in 25 games. A two-time Pac-12 Honorable Mention honoree, Ward also added 13 touchdowns on the ground.
Earlier this offseason, the West Columbia, Texas, native was recognized as a candidate for the Maxwell Award, as well as the ACC Preseason Player of the Year.
Ward was among the 50 student-athletes selected to the preseason watch list for the 2024 Walter Camp Football Foundation Player of the Year Award, the organization announced Monday.
The 2024 Player of the Year watch list will be narrowed down to 10 semifinalists in early November and three finalists will be announced on Nov. 26.
Walter Camp POY Award:
Cameron Ward, QB, Miami(FL)
Former Walter Camp POY Award Winners
- 1992 – Gino Torretta, QB, Miami (FL)
- 1986 – Vinny Testaverde, QB, Miami (FL)
On Friday, August 2, the Palm Beach County Sports Commission announced the 2024 Lou Groza Collegiate Place-Kicker Award Preseason Watch List, including seven Atlantic Coast Conference kickers.
The Lou Groza Award is presented annually to the top college football placekicker in the United States by the Palm Beach County Sports Commission. The award is named after former Ohio State Buckeyes and Cleveland Browns player Lou Groza.
Andrew Borregales has the chance to follow in family tradition and when the most covertate prize for kickers just like his brother Jose did in the 2020 season.
The Miami native went 22 for 26 on field goals, tied for the most made kicks in the Atlantic Coast Conference. He converted 44 of his 45 extra-point attempts and recorded 46 touchbacks on 73 kickoffs.
Lou Groza Collegiate Place-Kicker Award:
Andres Borregales, Miami, Senior, PK
Former Lou Groza Collegiate Place-Kicker Award Winners
2020 - Jose Borregales, K, Miami (FL)
The Miami Hurricanes have another player on a watchlist for a prestigious award, this time for community service.
Sophomore defensive back Jaden Harris has been named to the watch list and has earned recognition as the ACC’s Top Six for Service.
College Football’s Premier Award for Community Service and one of the most meaningful awards in collegiate sports, the Allstate Wuerffel Trophy is named after Danny Wuerffel, the 1996 Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback from the University of Florida who parlayed his success on the football field into a lifetime of service.
The Allstate Wuerffel Trophy embodies Wuerffel’s commitment to being a humanitarian while honoring student-athletes who are inspired to serve others and make positive impacts on society. This year marks the 20th anniversary of the Trophy’s founding, and the Wuerffel Foundation will recognize the first 19 recipients throughout the fall season.
The 2024 Allstate Wuerffel Trophy finalists and recipients will be selected by an illustrious national voting committee, including a fan vote component, and will be announced on the Home Depot College Football Awards show on December 12th. The Allstate Wuerffel Trophy Presentation Gala will take place on February 1, 2025, at the College Football Hall of Fame in Atlanta.
Allstate Wuerffel Trophy:
Jaden Harris, Miami, Sophomore, DB
University of Miami fifth-year redshirt junior Jalen Rivers was selected to the preseason watch list for the 2024 Outland Trophy, as announced Tuesday by the Football Writers Association of America.
The FWAA will announce the Outland Trophy semifinalists on Nov. 20, and those players will then be paired down to three finalists announced on Nov. 26. The Outland Trophy winner is chosen from those finalists who will be part of the annual FWAA All-America Team.
The recipient of the 2024 Outland Trophy will be announced on The Home Depot College Football Awards, live on ESPN on Dec. 12, 2024. The official presentation to the winner will be made at the Outland Trophy Awards Dinner sponsored by Werner Enterprises and produced by the Greater Omaha Sports Committee in Omaha, Neb., on Jan. 22, 2025.
The 6-foot-5, 325-pound standout started all 13 games at left tackle, playing a key role on the line that was named to the midseason honor roll for the Joe Moore Award.
Outland Trophy:
Jalen Rivers, Miami, Redshirt Junior, OT
Former Miami Outland Trophy Winners
- 2001 – Bryant McKinnie, OT, Miami (FL)
- 1990 – Russell Maryland, NT, Miami (FL)
The Football Writers Association of America released its 2024 Bronko Nagurski Trophy Watch List today, selecting 75 defensive standouts from 56 schools in nine Division I FBS conferences plus Independents as contenders for the national defensive player of the year.
For the Hurricanes, Francisco Mauigoa has been named to the watchlist and is the only Miami player on the list. He is one of seven players from the ACC to be named to the watchlist. Mauigoa had a fantastic season last year and could have been drafted high in the 2024 class but decided to stay for another year to play with his brother and finish out what head coach Mario Cristobal has built over the past three seasons.
Two former Hurricane greats have won the trophy and the last player to win it for the Hurricanes was linebacker Dan Morgan in 2000.
Bronko Nagurski Trophy:
LB Francisco Mauigoa, Miami
Former Miami Bronko Nagurski Trophy Winners
- 2000 – Dan Morgan, LB, Miami (FL)
- 1994 – Warren Sapp, DT, Miami (FL)
With time ticking away before the first snap happens in the Swamp for the Miami Hurricanes, many prestigious awards are releasing their watch list for some players who could have outstanding seasons. Three Hurricanes have been named to the Maxwell Award watch list alongside many other talented players in the country.
Transfer players Cameron Ward (QB) and Damien Martinez (RB) are some of the notable new names for the Hurricanes while long-time player Xavier Restrepo is also named on the list.
Ward threw for 3735 yards, 25 touchdowns, and only seven interceptions last season leading the Washington State Cougars behind center. He did that while also running for his life with a weak offensive line compared to the one that Miami has for him.
Martinez over his two seasons playing for the Oregon State Beavers has over 2000 rushing yards with 16 total TDs from the first two seasons. He was one of the best backs in the portal this offseason and landing with Miami could be the kickstart he needs before he takes his explosive talents to the NFL.
Finally, the hometown kid Restrepo exploded for a career year last season working out of the slot. He always found a way to be open and have the ability to make difficult catches like no other. He had over 1000 yards on the season with five touchdowns.
These Hurricanes will be on many other award lists as they are starting to be released. Some have more awards on their mind and with the excitement and expectations that this season brings, things are looking up for the Hurricanes.
Maxwell Award:
QB Cameron Ward, RB Damien Martinez, and WR Xavier Restrepo named to Watch List on July 29
Former Miami Maxwell Award Winners
2001 – Ken Dorsey, QB, Miami (FL)
1992 – Gino Torretta, QB, Miami (FL)
1986 – Vinny Testaverde, QB, Miami (FL)
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JUSTICE SANDLE