The Walter Payton Award is known as the FCS equivalent of the Heisman Trophy, honoring the best in college football’s lower division. Who are the all-time recipients, and who claimed the prestigious honor in 2024? Let’s dive into those answers and more.
Tommy Mellott Wins the 2024 Walter Payton Award
Montana State quarterback Tommy Mellott won the 2024 Walter Payton Award after one of the best overall seasons in FCS history. The senior dual-threat led the Bobcats to a 15-0 record and within striking distance of their first national championship victory in 40 years.
While the offense is known for its dominant rushing attack, Mellott has thrown for 2,564 yards, 29 touchdowns, and just two interceptions. Additionally, he is just 85 rushing yards away from joining teammates Scottre Humphrey (1,360 yards) and Adam Jones (1,134 yards) as the third Montana State player to hit 1,000 rushing yards this season.
On top of being the first Bobcat to win the Walter Payton Award, Mellott also earned the Walter Camp FCS Player of the Year and made the Associated Press FCS All-America team.
“It’s a surreal moment for sure,” Mellott said at the award ceremony. “Three years ago, I was on the sideline after being injured in the national championship game, and I was talking on the mic to the quarterback coach at the time, Coach (Taylor) Housewright, and he said, ‘If you don’t become the Walter Payton Award winner, we failed you.’ So, I think it’s just a testament to what we’ve done as a program.”
What Is the Walter Payton Award?
The Walter Payton Award, introduced in 1987, recognizes the most outstanding player in the FCS. Initially open to players on both sides of the ball, the award shifted focus exclusively to offensive players in 1995 with the creation of the Buck Buchanan Award, which honors the top defensive player.
The award pays homage to Chicago Bears legend Walter Payton, who starred as a running back at Jackson State from 1971 to 74. During his collegiate career, Payton rushed for 3,600 yards and scored 63 TDs, earning two All-American honors.
According to the NCAA, a panel of over 150 sports information directors, media representatives, broadcasters, and dignitaries determine the winner through a vote based on regular-season performances.
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Voting concludes ahead of the FCS playoffs, and the recipient is unveiled at the STATS FCS Awards Banquet the evening prior to the FCS National Championship in Frisco, Texas.
The Walter Payton Award is one of five prestigious honors presented by STATS FCS, which include:
- Buck Buchanan Award
- Jerry Rice Award (FCS Freshman of the Year)
- Eddie Robinson Award (FCS Coach of the Year)
- Doris Robinson Scholar-Athlete Award
Walter Payton Award Winners
- 2024: Tommy Mellott, QB, Montana state
- 2023: Mark Gronowski, QB, South Dakota State
- 2022: Lindsey Scott Jr., QB, Incarnate Word
- 2021: Eric Barriere, QB, Eastern Washington
- 2020: Cole Kelley, QB, SE Louisiana
- 2019: Trey Lance, QB, North Dakota State
- 2018: Devlin Hodges, QB, Samford
- 2017: Jeremiah Briscoe, QB, Sam Houston State
- 2016: Jeremiah Briscoe, QB, Sam Houston State
- 2015: Cooper Kupp, WR, Eastern Washington
- 2014: John Robertson, QB, Villanova
- 2013: Jimmy Garoppolo, QB, Eastern Illinois
- 2012: Taylor Heinicke, QB, Old Dominion
- 2011: Bo Levi Mitchell, QB, Eastern Washington
- 2010: Jeremy Moses, QB, Stephen F. Austin
- 2009: Armanti Edwards, QB, Appalachian State
- 2008: Armanti Edwards, QB, Appalachian State
- 2007: Jayson Foster, QB, Georgia Southern
- 2006: Ricky Santos, QB, New Hampshire
- 2005: Erik Meyer, QB, Eastern Washington
- 2004: Lang Campbell, QB, William & Mary
- 2003: Jamaal Branch, RB, Colgate
- 2002: Tony Romo, QB, Eastern Illinois
- 2001: Brian Westbrook, RB, Villanova
- 2000: Louis Ivory, RB, Furman
- 1999: Adrian Peterson, RB, Georgia Southern
- 1998: Jerry Azumah, RB, New Hampshire
- 1997: Brian Finneran, WR, Villanova
- 1996: Archie Amerson, RB, Northern Arizona
- 1995: Dave Dickenson, QB, Montana
- 1994: Steve McNair, QB, Alcorn State
- 1993: Doug Nussmeier, QB, Idaho
- 1992: Michael Payton, QB, Marshall
- 1991: Jamie Martin, QB, Weber State
- 1990: Walter Dean, RB, Grambling State
- 1989: John Friesz, QB, Idaho
- 1988: Dave Meggett, RB, Towson
- 1987: Kenny Gamble, RB, Colgate
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