The best all-around player in college football is officially known for the 2023 season. No, it’s not the Heisman Trophy presentation yet, it’s the Maxwell Award, and it’s Michael Penix Jr. who has been named as such.
Michael Penix Jr. Wins 2023 Maxwell Award
Handed out annually to best all-around player as judged upon by members of the Maxwell Football Club and a panel of prestigious members, the Maxwell Award is arguably the second most prestigious award in college football.
It typically mirrors the Heisman Trophy and gives viewers a glimpse into who may take home the Trophy the following evening every year.
For the 2023 season, it was Penix Jr. who was awarded the prestigious honor.
MORE: List of Maxwell Award Winners By Year
Penix Jr. took Washington back to the promised land, reaching 13-0 and a spot in the College Football Playoffs, while earning legendary status within the walls of Husky Stadium. His downfield accuracy and playmaking ability were on display week in and week out in 2023.
He led the Huskies to an undefeated season and beat out some worthy competition.
Nix led the Oregon Ducks to incredible heights in 2023. He was the nation’s most efficient passer and surpassed some illustrious career records in his second season in Eugene. Though the season didn’t quite finish the way of the Ducks, it was hard to take anything away from the feats that Nix accomplished in 2023.
Daniels led LSU to some ridiculous offensive outputs this past season. Often let down by his defense, Daniels had to outscore nearly every opponent on their entire 2023 schedule. He did so with great success and dominant action both as a passer and as a runner.
The three finalists each had their moments in the sun during the 2023 season and they each dominated the statistics come the end of the year.
Bo Nix Statistics
Pass Yards: 4,145
Pass TDs: 40
Interceptions: 3
Completion %: 77.2%
Rush Yards: 228
Rush TDs: 6
Michael Penix Jr. Statistics
Pass Yards: 4,218
Pass TDs: 33
Interceptions: 9
Completion %: 65.9%
Rush Yards: -18
Rush TDs: 3
Jayden Daniels Statistics
Pass Yards: 3,812
Pass TDs: 40
Interceptions: 4
Completion %: 72.2%
Rush Yards: 1,134
Rush TDs: 10