BYU offensive lineman Connor Pay reacts during a game against Oregon at Autzen Stadium in Eugene, Ore., on Saturday, Sept. 17, 2022. Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News
BYU Football is getting ready for another season and that means it’s time for preseason award watchlists. These players will play big roles in the Cougar’s first season in the Big 12. Below is the award, the player selected, and what the award is for.
Butkus Award: Ben Bywater
Ben Bywater is a 6-3 235 lbs junior from Salt Lake City, Utah. In his first season, he had eight tackles. The next season he had seven tackles. Bywater’s third season he had 102 tackles, one sack, and one quarterback hit. Last season he had 98 tackles, one sack, three interceptions, one touchdown, and two pass breakups. Bywater has been named a candidate for the Butkus Award which is awarded to the best linebacker in the country.
Doak Walker Award: Aidan Robbins
Aidan Robbins is 6-3 230 lbs from Louisville Kentucky. He is a transfer from UNLV Robbins and will be a junior this fall and a great starter for the Cougars. In 2020 and 2021 he played for Louisville. In the 2020 season, he rushed for 10 yards. As the Sophomore he rushed for 41 yards and one touchdown. Robbins rushed for 209 attempts, 1011 yards, and nine touchdowns in 2022 for the Rebels. Robbins has been named to the Doak Walker Award list which is given to the top Running back in college football.
John Mackey Award: Isaac Rex
Isaac Rex is a 6’6 255 lbs junior from San Clemente, California. Rex is set to be the starter this fall when BYU kicks off. In his first season as a Cougar, he played in three games and had one reception for 15 yards. Rex in his second year played in 12 games with 37 receptions for 429 yards and 12 touchdowns. In 2021 he played in 12 games with 28 receptions for 191 yards and three touchdowns. In the 2022 season, he played in 13 games with 22 receptions for 320 yards and six touchdowns. This is Rex’s third season on this list. This award is for the best college-tight end of the season.
Maxwell Award: Aidan Robbins, Kedon Slovis
Aidan Robbins is 6-3 230 lbs from Louisville Kentucky. He is a transfer from UNLV Robbins and will be a junior this fall and a great starter for the Cougars. In 2020 and 2021 he played for Louisville. In the 2020 season, he rushed for 10 yards. As the Sophomore he rushed for 41 yards and one touchdown. Robbins rushed for 209 attempts, 1011 yards, and nine touchdowns in 2022 for the Rebels.
Slovis is a 6-3 215 lbs senior from Scottsdale Arizona. Kedon Slovis has been the starter for the BYU Football team. Slovis is a transfer from Pittsburgh and has also played for USC. This will be his only season with BYU and he can have a good one with the weapons he has on the field. Slovis and Robbins are candidates for the best player in college football.
Outland Trophy: Kingsley Suamataia
Kingsley Suamataia is a 6-6 315 lbs sophomore from Orem, Utah, and a transfer from Oregon. He played in 12 games for the Cougars last season. Suamataia is representing BYU on this list of some of the best linemen in college football.
Patrick Mannelly Award: Austin Riggs
Austin Riggs is a 6-4 230 lbs junior from Eagle, Idaho. He has played in 27 games since 2020. This award is for the top Long Snapper in college football.
Ray Guy Award: Ryan Rehkow
Ryan Rehkow is a 6-5 235 lbs junior from Veradale, Washington. He has played in 38 games since 2020 and has punted over 60 yards in many games. The Ray Guy Award is for the Best Punter in college football.
Rimington Trophy: Connor Pay
Connor Pay is a 6-5 312 lbs junior from Highland, Utah. He has played in 32 games for the Cougars. Pay has been on this list a couple of times. This award is for the top Center in college football.
Wuerffel Trophy: Tyler Batty
Tyler Batty is a 6-5 273 lbs junior from Payson, Utah. Batty has played three seasons for the Cougars and led the defense last season when others went down with injuries. In his first season at BYU, he put up 13 tackles, four sacks, and three quarterback hits. In 2021 he had 432 tackles, three sacks, one forced fumble, and two quarterback hits. Last season he had 52 tackles, one forced fumble, and four quarterback hits. Batty will be a starter this fall. Batty has been named the best leader on and off the field in College football.
