USC redshirt freshman quarterback Sam Darnold was named the winner of the 2016 Archie Griffin Award, presented by the Touchdown Club of Columbus to college football's season-long most valuable player as determined at the conclusion of the bowl season.
The award, named for the Ohio State football legend and only two-time Heisman Trophy winner, will be presented during the 62nd Touchdown Club of Columbus Awards on Feb. 4 at Express Live! in Columbus, Ohio.
Darnold is the first freshman to win the Griffin Award since it was first presented in 1999. He is the second Trojan recipient, as quarterback Matt Leinart won the Archie Griffin Award in 2003 and 2004.