When it comes to prominent national awards in college football, it’s not often that anyone in the Group of Five has a legitimate shot at bringing home the hardware. Strength of schedule and lack of national exposure are usually to blame, as standout players with nationally televised games get more recognition for their performances. When the rare non-Power 5 standout is in the conversation for an award like the Maxwell, that name is usually not coming from Monroe, Louisiana.
As we head into the 2018 season, that all could change. Earlier this summer, Warhawks quarterback Caleb Evans was named to the Maxwell Award watchlist.