2026 American Conference Preseason Award Watchlist Tracker

2026 American Conference Preseason Award Watchlist Tracker

NCAAF College Football News, Photos, Stats, Scores, Schedule & Videos...

2026 American Conference Preseason Award Watchlist Tracker
SOUTH BEND, IN – NOVEMBER 08: Navy Midshipmen QB Braxton Woodson (5) throws a pass during a college football game between the Navy Midshipmen and Notre Dame Fighting Irish on November 8, 2025 at Notre Dame Stadium in South Bend, IN (Photo by James Black/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) | Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

It is August, and that is proof college football is on the horizon. The later portion of the month is reserved for games, while the early portion is for preseason festivities.

Preseason watchlists are a staple of the final month of the offseason, as players of all positions from all over the country are recognized prior to the season’s first kickoff. There are 16 preseason watchlists recognized by the National College Football Awards Association (NCFAA). Here are the players from the American Conference that received recognition on those watchlists in 2026:

Maxwell Award

Release date: August 3

Who wins this award? “Presented annually to the top player in the nation.”

American selections:

  • Cale Hellums, QB, Army (Sr.)
  • Caden Veltkamp, QB, Florida Atlantic (Sr.)
  • Braxton Woodson, QB, Navy (Sr.)
  • Owen McCown, QB, UTSA (Sr.)

Full list (81 members)

More at NCAAF College Football News, Photos, Stats, Scores, Schedule & Videos