The Maxwell Football Club just dropped its watch list for the 90th Maxwell Award, which is one of college football’s top honors. Wyoming Cowboy running back Samuel “Tote” Harris made the list for the first time—pretty exciting stuff.
It’s a nod to Harris’s performance and the buzz around what he might do this season. The Maxwell Award, named after Robert “Tiny” Maxwell, has been around since 1937 and, honestly, it’s kind of a big deal in college football.
This year’s watch list is packed with talent from all over the FBS.
Samuel “Tote” Harris: A Rising Star
Harris has really stood out for the Cowboys, showing off as a dynamic running back. Last season, he led Wyoming in rushing, playing in 11 games and starting seven.
He racked up 558 yards on 100 carries, which comes out to a solid 5.6 yards per rush. His best game? A wild 126 yards against Colorado, including a 50-yard sprint that turned some heads.
Season Highlights and Achievements
Harris didn’t just run the ball—he caught it too, adding 184 yards on 16 receptions. Some of his top moments:
- Career-high 126 rushing yards against Colorado, with that 50-yard breakaway
- 102 rushing yards on 12 carries versus Fresno State
- 58 receiving yards against San Jose State, including a 52-yarder
- Four receptions at Air Force for a season best
People are starting to notice. Harris landed preseason All-Mountain West honors from Phil Steele and Athlon Sports.
The Maxwell Award: A Legacy of Excellence
The Maxwell Award’s been handed out to college football’s top player since 1937. Named for Robert “Tiny” Maxwell—a Swarthmore College standout, sportswriter, and official—it’s got a long, storied history.
The Maxwell Football Club, founded in 1935, is actually the oldest football group of its kind in the U.S. They recognize players at every level: high school, college, and the pros.
Selection Process and Key Dates
The selection process is pretty thorough. The club works with Phil Steele Publications—if you know college football, you know the magazine—to evaluate players from all sorts of FBS programs.
Mark your calendar for these dates:
- November 10, 2026: Semifinalists announced
- November 24, 2026: Three finalists revealed
- December 10, 2026: Winner announced on ESPN’s Home Depot College Football Awards Show
- March 13, 2027: Maxwell Award presented at the Coca Cola Roxy Theater in Atlanta
If you want more info about the 2026 Maxwell watch list, you can reach out to MFC Executive Director Mark Wolpert or VP of College Awards Rich Cirminiello.
About the Maxwell Football Club
The Maxwell Football Club’s got a deep history in football. Since 1935, they’ve been all about recognizing great performances, from high schoolers up to the NFL.
They’re also pretty active in the community, pushing for academic success, volunteer work, and leadership through different programs.
Community Involvement and Programs
The club’s commitment shows in its outreach. High school athletes across the country get to participate in MFC Showcase events for free, thanks to support from corporate partners like the NFL Foundation, College Sports Communicators, SRA Inc, Vertical Raise, Quinco Inc, the ETC Foundation, and the Bradley Law Firm.
It’s not just about football. These programs help young athletes grow academically and personally—giving them a shot at success off the field, too.
Looking Ahead: The 2026 College Football Season
The 2026 season’s almost here, and Samuel “Tote” Harris is definitely on the radar now. Making the Maxwell Award watch list is a huge milestone for him—no question about it.
Fans and analysts will be keeping a close eye on Harris and the rest of the nominees. With semifinalists being announced in November, the hype is only going to build from here.
The Maxwell Award watch list announcement always brings a bit of preseason buzz. It’s a peek at the players folks are expecting to shake things up this year.
Samuel “Tote” Harris landing on that list? Feels right. The guy’s got talent, and honestly, it’s about time he got some wider recognition.
The 2026 college football season is shaping up to be interesting. Harris and the rest of the nominees—well, they’ll probably give us some wild moments.
Want more updates on Samuel “Tote” Harris or the Maxwell Award? You can check out the official Wyoming Cowboys website for the latest.
- Schools Covered
- College Football Articles
- Men's College Basketball Articles
- Men's College Soccer Articles
- Women's College Basketball Articles
- Olympic Athlete Articles
- Men's College Baseball Articles
- College Sports Media Professionals Articles
- Hall of Fame Member Articles
- Former College Player Articles
- Game Previews
