Folks, it's that time of the year. No, I'm not talking about the start of fall camp (although that's happening, too), but rather the release of all the award watch lists. We get to see which Clemson football stars make the lists, and I have a feeling there will be over a dozen this season.
The first award watch list to be released was the Maxwell Award given to the "most outstanding player in college football" every season.
While the distinction for the Maxwell Award recipients makes it seem like it's for the best player in college football, it's more so for the best offensive player.
Two Tigers made the list.
Three Nittany Lions were included on the Maxwell Award watch list, given annually to the “most outstanding player in college football.” pic.twitter.com/1LPq5WGLym
— Joel Haas (@Joel_Haas1) July 28, 2025
Clemson has two players on the list as the ACC leads the nation with 17 representatives from the conference. Those two Tigers to make the cut were Antonio Williams and Cade Klubnik. You could have made an argument for an Adam Randall or a Bryant Wesco or TJ Moore, but these two make the most sense, especially since Penn State is the only team with three players.
The Tigers have arguably the best offense in the ACC heading into the season with the nation's top quarterback and All-American candidate Antonio Williams. Add in Wesco, Moore, Tristan Smith, and Tyler Brown as well as a dynamic backfield with Randall and Gideon Davidson, and you have one of the most explosive groups in the country.
I wouldn't be surprised if another Tigers surprised people and made an appearance on the mid-season watch list like Randall or Wesco or Moore.
Keep the watch lists coming.