The Alexander Award

After the fourth game of the season, Trevor Lawrence became the starting quarterback for the Clemson Tigers. As the starting QB, Trevor led the Tigers to an 11-0 record, capping off his impressive freshman campaign with a National Championship victory over Alabama. Trevor went on to become the #1 overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, selected by the Jacksonville Jaguars.

After the starting running back suffered an injury, Kenneth exploded onto the scene for the Memphis Tigers. Gainwell averaged 147.8 yards per scrimmage during the 2019 season, which ranked 6th nationally. Gainwell was selected in the 5th round of the 2021 NFL Draft and went on to make an appearance in Super Bowl LVII with the Philadelphia Eagles.

Will Anderson Jr. leaped onto the scene during his freshman campaign, winning several major awards in addition to the Alexander Award. He was named to the SEC All-American Team, he earned 2nd Team All-SEC honors from the Associated Press, and finished 3rd in the SEC in sacks. Will went on to become the #3 pick overall by the Houston Texans in the 2022 NFL Draft.

Bowers was a USA Today, ESPN, and The Athletic First Team All-American and was the SEC Freshman of the Year in his first year with the Bulldogs.  He had a team-best 56 catches for 882 yards and 13 touchdowns (12 receiving, one rushing). Bowers owns school records in receptions, yards, and receiving touchdowns for a tight end. He also helped the Bulldogs secure a victory in the National Championship over the Crimson Tide. Brock went on to become the 13th overall pick by the Las Vegas Raiders in the 2024 NFL Draft.

Drake Maye exceeded expectations in his first year as North Carolina’s starting quarterback, following in the footsteps of record-setting QB Sam Howell. Maye threw for 38 touchdowns and 4,321 yards, setting multiple school records. His dual-threat ability, with 698 rushing yards and 7 rushing touchdowns, added to his versatility. Maye led the Tar Heels to a 9-1 start and an ACC Coastal Division title. He earned ACC Player of the Year and went on to become the #3 pick overall in the 2024 NFL Draft.

Caleb Downs made an immediate impact in his freshman year at Alabama, becoming a starter and key player in the secondary. A unanimous five-star recruit and the top-rated safety prospect since 2015, Downs quickly lived up to high expectations. Downs’ discipline, work ethic, and football IQ set him apart as he led Alabama with 107 tackles and was named First Team All-SEC and AP Second Team All-American. 

Colin Simmons, a freshman defensive end for the Texas Longhorns, made a swift impact in 2024. In 16 games, he tallied 48 total tackles—31 solo—along with 14 tackles for loss and 9 sacks. His standout play earned him Freshman All-American honors, a spot on the SEC All-Freshman Team, and the prestigious Shaun Alexander Freshman of the Year Award—the first Longhorn ever to receive it.