CHICAGO (Nov. 22, 2021) - After a great year of football for the Big Sky, the conference earned a total of seven finalists for the 2021 Walter Payton Award, Buck Buchanan Award and Jerry Rice Award as announced by FCS Stats Perform on Monday afternoon.
Eastern Washington's Eric Barriere and Montana State's Isaiah Ifanse were named finalists for the Walter Payton Award, which is given to the FCS's best offensive player of the year. The Payton Award, celebrating its 35th anniversary season, is named for the legendary Hall of Fame running back. Past recipients include Steve McNair, Tony Romo, Brian Westbrook and EWU's own Cooper Kupp.
The Big Sky had three finalists for the Buck Buchanan Award, given to the FCS's best defensive player, as Montana State's Troy Andersen and the Montana duo of Justin Ford and Patrick O'Connell made the final cut. The Buchanan Award, now in its 27th season, is named for the legendary Hall of Fame defensive lineman. Past recipients include two-time winner Dexter Coakley, Rashean Mathis and Idaho State's own Jared Allen.
The Jerry Rice Award, given to the top freshman in the FCS, featured NAU's RJ Martinez and Portland State's Nate Bennett. The Rice Award, now in its 11th season, is named for the legendary Hall of Fame wide receiver. To be eligible for the Rice Award, a freshman can’t have surpassed four games played in one previous academic year – similar to the NCAA’s regular redshirt rule.
A 50-member, national media panel will select the winner of each award, with the Rice Award announced on Dec. 13 and the Payton and Buchanan Awards announced on Jan. 7 in Frisco, Texas – the eve of the FCS championship game.
FCS Stats Release -
Payton |
Buchanan |
Rice
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Walter Payton Award Finalists
Eric Barriere (EWU)
Isaiah Ifanse (MSU)
Buck Buchanan Award Finalists
Troy Andersen (MSU)
Justin Ford (Montana)
Patrick O'Connell (Montana)
Jerry Rice Award Finalists
RJ Martinez (NAU)
Nate Bennett (Portland State)