Two Jayhawks, two Wildcats make preseason list for nation’s best college football player

TOPEKA ( KSNT ) – Does the best player in all of college football reside in the state of Kansas? One publication says it’s possible.

Four of the 80 players on the Maxwell Award preseason watch list are athletes in the Sunflower State. On Monday, the Maxwell Award, presented annually to the nation’s best college football player since 1937, released a list of players to keep an eye on for 2024.

Running back Devin Neal and quarterback Jalon Daniels received the honor for KU. Likewise, a quarterback and running back are on the list for K-State: Avery Johnson and DJ Giddens.

Neal enters his senior season as one of the most decorated Jayhawks in recent memory. He racked up more than 3,500 total yards and 36 touchdowns in his first three seasons with the University of Kansas. He averaged 6.3 yards per carry as a junior. Daniels, despite some nasty injuries, boast north of 4,000 passing yards on his resume as he gears up for year five in Lawrence.

Avery Johnson is recognized by the Maxwell Award with just one start at quarterback under his belt. Johnson played in eight games for the Wildcats’ as a true freshman in 2023. He started in the Pop-Tarts bowl, as K-State beat NC State 28-19.

Giddens is a known force in the Big 12. He broke out in 2023, after a redshirt season and another backing up Deuce Vaughn, with 13 touchdowns and more than 1,500 total yards.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KSNT 27 News.