Recognizing Defensive Excellence: The Bednarik Award and the Maxwell Football Club
The Maxwell Football Club, a pioneering institution in American football established in 1935, continues its tradition of honoring outstanding players with the annual Bednarik Award. This prestigious award recognizes the top defensive player in the Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS).
In 2024, Travis Hunter of the University of Colorado earned the Bednarik Award and was later drafted in the first round of the NFL draft by the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Looking ahead to the 2025 competition, the watch list for the Bednarik Award features 90 players representing a diverse range of programs and conferences nationwide. Returning candidates include 2024 finalist Caleb Downs (Ohio State) and semifinalists mikail Kamara (Indiana) and Anthony Hill jr. (Texas). The SEC leads all conferences with 23 nominees, followed by the Big Ten (20), ACC (15), and big 12 (12). Georgia boasts the most players on the list with four candidates, while six other schools have three players represented.
Recent Performance spotlight: Tamar Walker
Tamar Walker, a standout player from Aliquippa, Pennsylvania, was a key contributor to his team’s 2024 defence. He started all 14 games, accumulating 53 total tackles – 34 solo – and seven tackles for loss.Walker also demonstrated strong coverage skills, recording seven pass breakups and securing his first collegiate interception against Akron on September 28, 2024. His performance earned him All-MAC Second Team honors following the regular season.
Selection Process & key Partners
The Maxwell Football Club partners with Pro Football Focus (PFF) and Phil Steele Publications to ensure a comprehensive and data-driven selection process. PFF provides detailed performance metrics and analysis, with senior analysts contributing to the selection committee. Phil Steele’s College Football Preview is widely regarded as a leading preseason resource.
Vital Dates for the 2025 Bednarik Award:
Semifinalists Announced: November 11, 2025
Finalists Unveiled: November 25, 2025
Winner Announced: December 11, 2025, during the ESPN Home depot College Football Awards Show
Formal Presentation: March 13, 2026, at the Maxwell Football Club Awards in Atlanta, Georgia.The Maxwell Football Club’s Broader Impact
Beyond recognizing athletic achievement, the Maxwell Football Club is committed to community engagement and fostering academic excellence, volunteerism, and leadership among student-athletes. Through partnerships with organizations like the NFL Foundation and College sports Communicators, the Club provides free showcase events for high school athletes. More information can be found at www.maxwellfootballclub.org.
Pro Football Focus: Leading the Analytics Revolution
Pro Football Focus (PFF) has been at the forefront of football analytics since 2011, providing advanced data and analysis trusted by all 32 NFL teams and over 100 FBS programs, as well as major media outlets and player agencies. PFF also offers a range of content for fans seeking deeper insights into the game.
