Alabama, Auburn and Jacksonville State See Stars Named to Maxwell Preseason List

August 4, 2026 Michael Brauner Alabama, Alabama, Auburn, Auburn, Featured News, Local Sports
AUBURN, AL - OCTOBER 11: A general view of the Auburn Tiger pregame eagle flight during a game between the Auburn Tigers and the Georgia Bulldogs at Jordan-Hare Stadium on October 11, 2025 in Auburn, Alabama. (Photo by Jason Homan/Icon Sportswire)

College football season is almost here, and that means preseason awards watch lists start to roll out as fans get ready to see their teams — and in turn the star players — take the field for another season on campuses across the country.

Every year, the Maxwell Award is given to the best all-around player in college football, and before the year, around 80 names make the watch list for before the season. Four of them play within this very state, and three come from the two hated rival Alabama Crimson Tide and Auburn Tigers with two even from this area!

Auburn led the way with two nominees including quarterback Byrum Brown and running back and Montgomery native Jeremiah Cobb, both of whom look to help the Tigers offense take huge steps this season.

Alabama meanwhile had just one nominee in junior wide receiver and Saraland native Ryan Coleman-Williams, who is going to look to bounce back from a rough second year after bursting onto the scene two years ago as a 17-year-old freshman.

The most interesting nominee though is Jacksonville State Gamecocks star quarterback Caden Creel, a Fairhope native who started to burst onto the scene late last season for JMU including leading them to a victory over Troy in the IS4S Salute to Veterans Bowl.

All four players will be a whole lot of fun to watch this season, and maybe just maybe, one could come home with the award.