Kansas State is being projected as one of the favorites to win a Big 12 Conference title in 2024, so it should come as no surprise that several Wildcats have already ended up on preseason awards watch lists.
Kansas State running back DJ Giddens and quarterback Avery Johnson were both named to the Maxwell Award preseason watch list on July 29. The Maxwell Award has been given annually to the nation’s best player since 1937. It’s widely thought of as a precursor to the Heisman Trophy – the college football version of the Golden Globe Awards.
Giddens was one of the nation’s most complete running backs as a sophomore in 2023, rushing for 1,226 yards and 10 touchdowns while averaging 5.5 yards per carry to go with 29 receptions for 323 yards and 3 touchdowns. Johnson started one game in 2023, when he was named Pop-Tarts Bowl MVP after a 28-19 win over No. 19 North Carolina State.
Kansas State opens the season on Aug. 31 at home against Tennessee-Martin.