The 2022 season was chock full of brilliant performances on some of the biggest stages, from Caleb Williams helping transform USC into a playoff contender to Blake Corum‘s eight straight 100-yard games in helping Michigan win back-to-back Big Ten titles to Marvin Harrison Jr.‘s emergence as arguably the country’s most exciting receiver.
They’ll be among the stars on hand for the Home Depot College Football Awards on Thursday (7 p.m. ET on ESPN/ESPN App) as the top players are honored and many of the country’s most prestigious awards are handed out.
Here are our picks for who should — and who will — pick up some prized hardware Thursday.
Chuck Bednarik Award (defensive player of the year)
Finalists: Will Anderson Jr., Alabama; Ivan Pace Jr., Cincinnati; Tuli Tuipulotu, USC
Who should win: Anderson. The Alabama edge rusher had 51 tackles, 17 going for a loss, 10 sacks and 12 QB hurries — all of which counted as something of a down year by his standards. There’s no defender in the country more feared — and more productive — than Anderson.
Who will win: Anderson
Biletnikoff Award (outstanding receiver)
Finalists: Marvin Harrison Jr., Ohio State; Xavier Hutchinson, Iowa State; Jalin Hyatt, Tennessee
Who should win: Harrison. With a number of Ohio State’s key skill position players injured, Harrison blossomed into the most formidable pass-catcher in the country this season. His 1,157 receiving yards were second most in the Big Ten, his 12 receiving TDs tied for the Big Ten lead, and he was Pro Football Focus’ highest-graded receiver in the nation. For the season, Harrison had just two drops and reeled in 56% of his contested catches, the second-best rate in the nation.
Who will win: Harrison
Lou Groza Collegiate Place-Kicker Award (outstanding place-kicker)
Finalists: Christopher Dunn, NC State; Joshua Karty, Stanford; Jake Moody, Michigan
Who should win: Dunn in a close one. While Karty didn’t miss a field-goal try this season, he had seven fewer attempts than Dunn, who was also perfect on PATs (while Karty was 24-of-25). Dunn connected on 24 field goals, was 10-of-11 beyond 40 and hit on both of his attempts of 50 yards or more.
Who will win: Dunn
Ray Guy Award (punter of the year)
Finalists: Mason Fletcher, Cincinnati; Bryce Baringer, Michigan State; Adam Korsak, Rutgers
Who should win: South Carolina‘s Kai Kroeger wasn’t a finalist, but he’s likely to top plenty of…
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