CHARLOTTE, N.C. (theACC.com) –The Atlantic Coast Conference placed 11 student-athletes spread out across nine programs on the 2026 Maxwell Award Watch List, the Maxwell Football Club announced on Monday.
Miami led all ACC programs and tied for the national lead with three selections, as quarterback Darian Mensah, running back Mark Fletcher Jr. and wide receiver Malachi Toney were all recognized among the nation's top players.
Presented annually since 1937, the Maxwell Award recognizes the Outstanding Player in College Football. The award is named in honor of Robert "Tiny" Maxwell, a former Swarthmore College standout, renowned sportswriter and football official.
The 2026 watch list features 81 players from across the Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS), representing programs from coast to coast.
2026 Maxwell Award Watch List – ACC Selections
- Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele, So., QB, California
- Nate Sheppard, So., RB, Duke
- Duce Robinson, Sr., WR, Florida State
- Justice Haynes, Sr., RB, Georgia Tech
- Isaac Brown, Jr., RB, Louisville
- Darian Mensah, Jr., QB, Miami
- Malachi Toney, So., WR, Miami
- Mark Fletcher Jr., Sr., RB, Miami
- CJ Bailey, Jr., QB, NC State
- Mason Heintschel, So., QB, Pitt
- Kevin Jennings, Sr., QB, SMU
The Maxwell Award semifinalists will be announced later this season before the finalists are unveiled. The winner will be selected by a vote of Maxwell Football Club members, NCAA head football coaches and sports media from around the country.