This should come as a bit of surprise, but the Maxwell Award Watch List was released on Monday, and two key members of the Virginia Tech football team on offense were part of the 80 names released. The award, which has been presented to the College Player of the Year since 1937 and is named in honor of Robert “Tiny” Maxwell, included two Virginia Tech players who must play well for the offense to jell in 2025.
At this time last year, two Hokies were named to the watch list: quarterback Kyron Drones and running back Bhayshul Tuten. Drones is returning for his third year in Blacksburg, while Tuten is off to the NFL with the Jacksonville Jaguars. This year, Virginia Tech once again has its quarterback and a running back on the preseason award watch list.
Kyron Drones and Terion Stewart named to Maxwell Award Preseason Watch List
For the second straight year, Drones made the preseason watch list, and Bowling Green transfer Terion Stewart, who is expected to take over the running back duties after Tuten left, also made the list. It's not surprising to see Drones on there, and it is good to see Stewart joining him.
Drones is looking for a bounce-back season after missing four of the final five games in 2024 with an injury, while Stewart comes to Blacksburg as one of the top Group of 5 backs from last season and should fit right into first-year offensive coordinator Philip Montgomery's offense this fall. Stewart should win over a lot of Virginia Tech fans this year with his style of running and big-play ability.
The semifinalists for the award will be released on Nov. 11, and the three finalists will be released on Nov. 25. The winner will be announced on Dec. 11 as part of the ESPN Home Depot College Football Awards Show. The ACC has 17 players named to the watch list.