Six Big 12 running backs make Maxwell Award watch list

Oklahoma State, Colorado, Iowa State, UCF represented

Three of the six Big 12 running backs on the watch list hail from Oklahoma

Six Big 12 running backs made the 2023 Maxwell Award watch list, as announced by the Maxwell Football Club on Tuesday. The Maxwell Award is given to the best all-around player in college football.

The Big 12 running backs on the watch list are:

• Bijan Robinson, Texas
• Deuce Vaughn, Kansas
• Dominic Richardson, Oklahoma State
• Jaren Kanak, Oklahoma State
• Sean Tucker, Colorado
• Breece Hall, Iowa State

Robinson is the reigning Big 12 Offensive Player of the Year. He rushed for 1,434 yards and 15 touchdowns last season. Coming in second is Vaughn, who rushed for 1,404 yards and 18 touchdowns last season. Vaughn also had 49 receptions for 434 yards and two touchdowns. Many believe that Richardson is the most talented running back in the Big 12, despite playing second fiddle to Robinson. He averaged 6.3 yards per carry in 2022, and led the Cowboys in rushing touchdowns.

Kanak rushed for 835 yards and 10 touchdowns last season. He also had 21 receptions for 208 yards and two touchdowns. Tucker is a transfer from Syracuse. He rushed for 1,009 yards and nine touchdowns last season. Hall is a transfer from Northern Iowa. He rushed for 1,472 yards and 20 touchdowns last season.

The Maxwell Award will be presented at the ESPN College Football Awards on Dec. 8. The winner of the award will be voted on by a panel of sportswriters, broadcasters, and coaches.