Before the season started, a slew of Iowa Hawkeyes were selected to preseason watch lists, and now, midway through the season, three have been selected to midseason watch lists.
Kaleb Johnson, Jay Higgins, and Aaron Graves have all been named to their own midseason watch lists for their play so far this season. Johnson has led Iowa in just about every category on the offensive side of the ball, Higgins has been the backbone of the Iowa defense and, and Graves has also been a difference maker for the Iowa defense.
Johnson has been named to the Maxwell Award watch list, Higgins has been named to the Lott IMPACT Trophy watch list and Graves has been named to the Chuck Bednarik Award watch list.
Midseason Watch Lists@Kj_Superman2 ➡️ Maxwell Award@_jhigg ➡️ Lott IMPACT Trophy
— Hawkeye Football (@HawkeyeFootball) October 17, 2024
Aaron Graves ➡️ Chuck Bednarik Award#Hawkeyes
The Maxwell Award is one of the most prestigious awards a football player can receive, alongside the Heisman Trophy. This award is given to the most outstanding player in football and was established in 1937. Johnson is a great candidate, and there is no question as to why he is being considered for the award. Johnson has 937 rushing yards on 118 carries and 12 rushing touchdowns, along with a receiving touchdown.
Johnson has by far been the best player on the Iowa offense this season, taking the lion's share of the touchdowns both for running backs and wide receivers. Without Johnson, the Hawkeyes would have only scored eight touchdowns this season.
Higgins is on the midseason watch list for the Lott IMPACT Trophy, which is given to the college football IMPACT player of the year. So far this season, Higgins has 62 tackles, 23 solo tackles, one sack, two forced fumbles, and two interceptions.
Lastly, Graves has been named to the Chuck Bednarik Award midseason watch list, which is given to the defensive player of the year in college football. Graves this season has 18 total tackles, eight solo tackles, five sacks, two forced fumbles, and one pass defended.
Each player is one of 16 finalists for each award that will be handed out at the end of the season. Johnson and Graves were both added to their watch lists in the midseason after missing out on the preseason watch lists.