PHILADELPHIA – The Maxwell Football Club announced Thursday that Tennessee senior quarterback Joey Aguilar and redshirt junior wide receiver Chris Brazzell II have been added to the midseason watch list for the 89th Maxwell Award, presented annually to the college player of the year.
Through his first five games as the Vols’ starting signal-caller, Aguilar leads the SEC in passing yards (1,459), passing touchdowns (13) and total touchdowns (15) while ranking in the top 10 nationally in each of those categories. With Aguilar at the helm, Tennessee paces the league in passing offense (337.2 yards per game) and scoring offense (51.0) while ranking second in total offense (536.4). The Antioch, California, native is also the FBS active career leader in total offense (291.0) and passing yards (274.0) per game.
Brazzell has been one of the nation’s top receivers through five games, leading the SEC in receiving touchdowns (7), receiving yards (531) and receptions of 10-plus yards (21). Nationally, he is tied for the FBS lead in touchdowns and ranks second in receiving yards. His seven touchdown catches are the most by a Vol through five games in program history.
In the midst of a breakout year, Brazzell is averaging 6.2 receptions, 17.1 yards per catch and 106.2 yards per game. He has recorded three 100-yard receiving performances, highlighted by six receptions for 177 yards and three touchdowns against No. 6 Georgia, including two scoring plays of 50-plus yards. He also delivered in Tennessee’s overtime win at Mississippi State, hauling in six passes for 105 yards and a touchdown.
The three finalists for the Maxwell Award will be announced Tuesday, Nov. 25, and the winner will be revealed during the ESPN Home Depot College Football Awards Show on Thursday, Dec. 11. The formal presentation will take place at the Maxwell Football Club Awards on Saturday, March 14, 2026, in Atlanta.
