The college football award watch lists are rolling out, which means award season is officially underway. From the Heisman to the Biletnikoff, more than 20 national awards will crown the best players, coaches, and unsung heroes of the 2026 season. This guide breaks down every major award and what it honors, plus a free printable tracker so you can follow every watch list, finalist, and winner from now through December.
Free Printable 2026 College Football Award Tracker
Our free printable tracker lists every major award on two pages, grouped by category, with space to write your pick to win and the actual winner as it is announced. There is a key-dates timeline and a Heisman prediction box, too.
Every Major College Football Award
The National College Football Awards Association (NCFAA) governs the sport’s major honors. Here is what each award on the tracker recognizes.
Overall player of the year
| Award | Honors |
|---|---|
| Heisman Trophy | Most outstanding player |
| Maxwell Award | Player of the year |
| Walter Camp Award | Player of the year |
Offense
| Award | Honors |
|---|---|
| Davey O’Brien Award | Best quarterback |
| Doak Walker Award | Best running back |
| Biletnikoff Award | Best wide receiver |
| John Mackey Award | Best tight end |
| Rimington Trophy | Best center |
| Outland Trophy | Best interior lineman |
Defense
| Award | Honors |
|---|---|
| Bednarik Award | Defensive player of the year |
| Bronko Nagurski Trophy | Defensive player of the year |
| Butkus Award | Best linebacker |
| Jim Thorpe Award | Best defensive back |
Special teams, character & coaching
| Award | Honors |
|---|---|
| Lou Groza Award | Best place-kicker |
| Ray Guy Award | Best punter |
| Paul Hornung Award | Most versatile player |
| Burlsworth Trophy | Top former walk-on |
| Wuerffel Trophy | Community service and academics |
| Campbell Trophy | Top scholar-athlete |
| Broyles Award | Best assistant coach |
| Eddie Robinson / Munger Award | Coach of the year |
Key Dates for the 2026 Award Season
- August: preseason watch lists are released for every award.
- Mid-November: semifinalists are announced.
- Late November: finalists are announced (usually three per award).
- Mid-December: the College Football Awards Show on ESPN, followed by the Heisman Trophy ceremony.
Chasing the Heisman race specifically? Pair the tracker with our 2026 Heisman Trophy odds for the favorites, contenders, and sleepers.
College Football Award Watch Lists FAQ
What is a college football award watch list?
A watch list is a preseason group of candidates each award names as early contenders. The list is trimmed to semifinalists, then finalists, before a winner is chosen in December.
How many college football awards are there?
The NCFAA includes more than 20 national awards, covering every position group plus coaching, academics, and community service. The tracker above lists the major ones.
When are college football award winners announced?
Most winners are revealed at the College Football Awards Show on ESPN in mid-December, with the Heisman Trophy presented at its own ceremony that same weekend.
More Free College Football Printables
- 2026 Heisman Trophy odds and contenders
- 2026 CFB Top 25 schedule grid
- All free printable brackets, schedules and trackers
