While the finalists for the Heisman Trophy generated immense controversy and left people talking about possible snubs, college football's most prestigious award isn't its only award.
There are numerous other high profile awards up for grabs, including the Maxwell, Doak Walker, Davey O'Brien and Biletnikoff, among others. And while the finalists for those awards also generated debate and may not mean as much as the Heisman, they're certainly important.
Notably, Will Anderson and Jordan Davis, two of the biggest Heisman snubs, are nominees for the Bednarik Award, given to the nation's top defensive player. None of Ohio State's three electrifying recievers in Chris Olave, Jaxon Smith-Njigba and Garrett Wilson were finalists for the Biletnikoff, given annually to the top receiver. So there were certainly snubs outside of the Heisman as well.
But then there are awards like the Mackey (nation's top tight end) or the Ray Guy (top punter) where Group of 5 guys are included as finalists. And though it's only a handful of awards, with Gropu of 5 school Cincinnati's inclusion in to the College Football Playoff, it could be a banner year for players and teams outside the Power 5.
With the College Football Playoff field squared away and bowl games allocated, the only thing left up for grabs are some of the sport's highest honors.
Sporting News has you covered on how to catch the College Football Awards show for 2021.
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How to watch College Football Awards show 2021
- Date: Thursday, Dec. 9, 2021
- Time: 7 p.m. ET
- TV channel: ESPN
- Live stream: ESPN App, fuboTV
For the second year in a row, these awards, which include crowning the top quarterback, running back, defensive player and others, will take place virtually and will broadcast live from ESPN Studios in Bristol, Conn.
What are the College Football Awards?
The college football awards recognize some of the best players in the country at their respective positions. Notably, these awards precede the Heisman Trophy ceremony, which will be awarded Saturday, Dec. 11 in New York.
BENDER: Picks, predictions for all 43 bowl games of the 2021-22 college football season
Where is the College Football Awards show held?
This year's college football awards will be held virtually from ESPN's studios in Bristol, Conn.
2021 college football award finalists, winners
Bednarik Award (College Defensive Player of the Year)
| Will Anderson, linebacker, Alabama |
| Jordan Davis, defensive tacke, Georgia |
| Kyle Hamilton, safety, Notre Dame |
| Kayvon Thibodeaux, defensive end, Oregon |
Winner:
Biletnikoff Award (Outstanding Receiver)
| Jordan Addison, Pitt |
| David Bell, Purdue |
| Jameson Williams, Alabama |
Winner:
Lou Groza Award (Outstanding Kicker)
| Gabe Brkic, Oklahoma |
| Jake Moody, Michigan |
| Noah Ruggles, Ohio State |
Winner:
Ray Guy Award (Outstanding Punter)
| Matt Araiza, San Diego State |
| Adam Korsak, Rutgers |
| Jordan Stout, Penn State |
Winner:
Maxwell Award (College Player of the Year)
| Kenny Pickett, quarterback, Pitt |
| Kenneth Walker III, running back, Michigan State |
| Bryce Young, quarterback, Alabama |
Winner:
Davey O’Brien National Quarterback Award (Outstanding Quarterback)
| Kenny Pickett, Pitt |
| CJ Stroud, Ohio State |
| Bryce Young, Alabama |
Winner:
Outland Trophy (Outstanding Interior Lineman)
| Jordan Davis, defensive tackle, Georgia |
| Ikem Ekwonu, offensive tackle, North Carolina |
| Tyler Linderbaum, center, Iowa |
Winner:
Jim Thorpe Award (Outstanding Defensive Back)
| Coby Bryant, cornerback, Cincinnati |
| Verone McKinley III, safety, Oregon |
| Jalen Pitre, safety, Baylor |
Winner:
Doak Walker (Outstanding Running Back)
| Tyler Badie, Missouri |
| Breece Hall, Iowa State |
| Kenneth Walker III, Michigan State |
Winner:
Mackey Award (Outstanding Tight End)
| Trey McBride, Colorado State |
| Charlie Kolar, Iowa State |
| Jalen Wydermyer, Texas A&M |
Winner:
Rimington Trophy (Outstanding Center)
| Tyler Linderbaum, Iowa |
| Alec Lindstron, Boston College |
| Olusegun Oluwatimi, Virginia |
Winner:
Wuerffel Trophy (Community Service)
| Nakobe Dean, linebacker, Georgia |
| Patrick Fields, safety, Oklahoma |
| Isaiah Sanders, quarterback, Stanford |
Winner:
The other awards being presented include The Campbell Trophy (Outstanding Scholar Athlete), a Coach of the Year award, the Disney Spirit Award (Most Inspirational Team or Player) and the Walter Camp All-America team will be unveiled.