As we gear up for the bowl season, let’s take a look at the standout players and awards in each Power conference. Below are the all-conference teams and recognition for Player of the Year, Coach of the Year, and Freshman of the Year.
Note: Conference rankings can affect player positions, with the pass-heavy Big 12 known for having exceptional receivers compared to the Big Ten.
ACC
OFFENSE
Quarterback: Ryan Finley, NC State
Ryan Finley led the league with 24 touchdown passes, ranked second with a 151.9 passer rating, and threw for 3,789 yards in 12 games, the highest by an ACC quarterback since Matt Ryan in 2007.
Big 12
OFFENSE
Quarterback: Kyler Murray, Oklahoma
Kyler Murray guided the Sooners to the playoffs with the best FBS QBR (96.0) since tracking began in 2004.
Big Ten
OFFENSE
Quarterback: Dwayne Haskins, Ohio State
Dwayne Haskins’ passing prowess as a third-year sophomore ranks among the best in Big Ten history, surpassing 400 yards in a game five times, a feat achieved only once by any previous Ohio State quarterback.
SPECIAL TEAMS
Kicker: Chase McLaughlin, Illinois
Chase McLaughlin excelled with 20 successful field goals out of 25 attempts, including a school-record four from 50 yards or longer.
Pac-12
OFFENSE
Quarterback: Gardner Minshew, Washington State
Gardner Minshew of Washington State impressed with 4,477 passing yards, 36 touchdowns, and finished fifth in Heisman Trophy voting with nine interceptions.
SPECIAL TEAMS
Kicker: Matt Gay, Utah:
Matt Gay, the 2017 Lou Groza Award winner, made 24 of 29 field goals, including 10 from 40 yards or more.
