Full Breakdown
2025 Walter Payton Award Finalists Announced
11/26/2025, 4:22:04 AM
Overview of the Walter Payton Award
The Walter Payton Award, presented annually to the national offensive player of the year in the Football Championship Subdivision (FCS), has announced its 30 finalists for the 2025 season. This award, now in its 39th year, is named after the legendary running back Walter Payton, who had a distinguished career at Jackson State and is a Hall of Fame inductee. The winner will be determined by a national voting panel and announced at the Stats Perform FCS National Awards Show on January 3, 2026, in Nashville, Tennessee.
Notable Finalists
Among the finalists are several standout players from various conferences:
- Cole Payton, North Dakota State: A senior quarterback, Payton ranks second in the FCS with a 74.1% completion rate and has thrown for 2,618 yards and 15 touchdowns while also rushing for 791 yards and 13 touchdowns.
- Bryce Lance, North Dakota State: A senior wide receiver, Lance has achieved over 1,000 receiving yards for the second consecutive season, leading the Missouri Valley Football Conference with 1,001 yards and seven touchdowns.
- Chris Parson, Austin Peay: A redshirt sophomore quarterback, Parson has amassed 3,746 total yards and 14 touchdowns, ranking third in the FCS in total offense.
- Beau Brungard, Youngstown State: The junior quarterback has made history with a 300/200 performance and has contributed significantly to his team's playoff run.
- Keali'i Ah Yat, Montana: The sophomore quarterback leads the Big Sky Conference with 3,154 passing yards and 25 touchdowns, marking a breakout season.
- Michael Wortham, Montana: A senior receiver, Wortham has been pivotal in the Grizzlies' offense, leading the team in receptions and all-purpose yards.
- Jared Richardson, Penn: The senior wide receiver led the Ivy League with 103.3 receiving yards per game and has recorded 1,033 yards and 12 touchdowns this season.
- Devin Farrell, Rhode Island: A junior quarterback, Farrell has thrown for 3,086 yards and 20 touchdowns, ranking among the top ten nationally in several passing categories.
Criticism & Opposition
While the Walter Payton Award celebrates individual excellence, some critics argue that the selection process can overlook players from smaller programs or those who may not have the same level of exposure as athletes from larger schools. This ongoing debate highlights the challenges in recognizing talent across the diverse landscape of college football.
Official Statements & Responses
The announcement of the finalists has been met with enthusiasm from the players' respective programs. North Dakota State's head coach remarked on the significance of having multiple players recognized, stating, "It reflects the hard work and dedication of our athletes." Meanwhile, Austin Peay's coaching staff praised Chris Parson's remarkable season, emphasizing his contributions to the team's success.
What's Next
The finalists will await the announcement of the winner at the Stats Perform FCS National Awards Show on January 3, 2026. This event will precede the FCS National Championship game, further spotlighting the achievements of these outstanding athletes.
