It's officially college football watch list season, and we had a flurry of them come out last week. One of those was the Maxwell Award preseason watch list, and three Ohio State players were among the 81 names released ahead of the 2026 season.
Wide receiver Jeremiah Smith, quarterback Julian Sayin, and running back Bo Jackson are a trio of stars on the offense for Ohio State that were recognized by the Maxwell Football Club. The award, which bears the club's name, is handed out annually to the best all-around college football player. The award has been around since 1937.
Even the most casual fan knows about Smith. Widely considered the best player in the country despite what the awards say, Smith has already put together two of the best seasons we've ever seen a wide receiver do. So far, he has totaled 163 receptions for 2,558 yards (15.7 avg.) and 27 touchdowns. He's also rushed for two scores. He is expected to have another huge year and is closing in on breaking some of the biggest all-time receiving records in Columbus.
Sayin is a known commodity as well as a returning Heisman Finalist from his sensational freshman campaign, where he led the country in passing accuracy, throwing for 3,610 yards on 301-of-391 attempts (77%). He tossed 32 touchdowns to just eight interceptions. He should be even better with a year of seasoning under his belt.
Ohio State fans know about Bo Jackson, statistically the best freshman rusher from last year, but the rest of the nation might need a refresher. He rushed for 1,090 yards and nine touchdowns on 179 carries (6.1 avg.), and that was only after securing the No. 1 running back spot nearly halfway through the season. There has been some interesting competition so far in fall camp, but he will likely nail down the No. 1 spot again heading into 2026.
Three Buckeyes on the Maxwell Award Preseason Watch List 👀 pic.twitter.com/QWDI3RlXGT
— Ohio State Football (@OhioStateFB) August 3, 2026
Despite being the "other" best player in college football award, the Maxwell often does not line up with the Heisman. In fact, despite winning the bronze statue seven times, Ohio State has had only four Maxwell winners: Howard "hopalong" Cassidy (1955), Bob Ferguson (1962), Archie Griffin (1975), and Eddie George (1995).
The Maxwell Award will be announced during the ESPN Home Depot College Football Awards show on December 10, and the list will change throughout the season, so we'll keep track.
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This article originally appeared on Buckeyes Wire: Three Ohio State players named to Maxwell preseason watch list