Sarah Eunyoung
Football
Evan Nemec
ACU’s quarterback is in the running for award called the ‘FCS Heisman’
After leading the Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) in passing yards for most of the season, ACU quarterback Maverick McIvor has been recognized for his exceptional play by landing on the list of 35 finalists for the Walter Payton Award.
In its 38th season, the award is given annually to the national offensive player of the year. It is affectionately known as the Heisman of the FCS.
McIvor’s 3,675 passing yards are the third most in a single-season in ACU history. He is also second in attempts (467) and completions (292).
Throwing for a career-high 506 yards in the season opener at Texas Tech, McIvor kept up the incredible pace by passing for at least 250 yards in nine of the next ten games.
His 29 touchdowns and 5 interceptions give him the best TD:INT ratio among the top 20 FCS quarterbacks. McIvor has completed five games this season with at least 3 passing scores and zero picks (at Texas Tech, vs. West Georgia, vs. Central Arkansas, at Austin Peay and at Tarleton State).
The Walter Payton Award is presented by Stats Perform. A national voting panel will select the winner. The top three finalists will be invited to the Stats Perform FCS National Awards Banquet on Jan. 4 in Frisco which is where the recipient will be announced.
Past winners of the award include Steve McNair, Tony Romo, Brian Westbrook and Cooper Kupp.
McIvor’s selection means ACU is one of six FCS programs to have a finalist for the Walter Payton Award (national offensive player of the year), Buck Buchanan Award (national defensive player of the year), and Eddie Robinson Award (national coach of the year).
Click here for the list of 35 finalists and more information about the Walter Payton Award.