Two of the most recognizable Indiana Hoosier football players have been named finalists for major national awards. Quarterback Fernando Mendoza has been named a finalist for the Maxwell Award and the Davey O’Brien Award while linebacker Aiden Fisher was named a finalist for the Butkus Award.
The Maxwell Football Club says this about the Maxwell Award.
Established in 1937, the Maxwell Award is one of the most prestigious honors in college football. It is presented annually to the most outstanding player in the sport, recognizing excellence on the field and exceptional contributions to the game. The award is named in honor of Robert “Tiny” Maxwell, a distinguished sportswriter and influential figure in college football. Maxwell’s deep passion for the sport and his insightful commentary helped shape the public’s perception and appreciation of college football during his career.
The Davey O’Brien Award goes to the nation’s top quarterback.
Originally, the Davey O’Brien Memorial Trophy was presented annually to the most outstanding player in the Southwestern states of Arkansas, Louisiana, New Mexico, Oklahoma and Texas. Four years later, the award was expanded nationally in scope and limited to quarterback, the primary position of our namesake. The Davey O’Brien National Quarterback Award is the nation’s oldest and most prestigious national quarterback award.
The Davey O’Brien Quarterback Award honors candidates who exemplify Davey O’Brien’s enduring character while exhibiting teamwork, sportsmanship and leadership in both academics and athletics. The award has been given to many of the most prominent names in college football over the last 40 years, many of whom have gone on to illustrious NFL careers.
Linebacker Aiden Fisher finds himself on the Butkus Award finalist list. “
Instituted in 1985, The Butkus Award® is one of the elite individual honors, originally given each year to one player in college football: the most impactful linebacker in the game. In 2008, The Butkus Foundation, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, took stewardship of the award to fully realize the original purpose of honoring athletic achievement and service to the community. Since that time, the award has honored the nation’s best high school, college, and professional linebackers. An independent Butkus Award Selection Committee conducts the selection process each year. The committee is comprised of 51 experts, including professional, college, and high school scouts, and prominent sports journalists.