offGrid’s 2022-23 College Football Award Predictions
With College Football on the way, literally just around the corner with big games starting this week, it’s time to talk about the best of the best in college ball.
Everything from the Heisman Award given to the nation’s best collegiate football player to the Ray Guy Award for the nation’s best college punter, we are covering every and all the honors running the world of the college football.
We’re even predicting the College Football playoffs final four and who will become the national champions: So folks, welcome to the OffGridNFL’s College Football Awards predictions show!
To start off the festivities, let’s talk about our prediction for the 2022 Broyles Award for best assistant coach in the country:
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2022 Broyles Award Prediction
Jeff Grimes: Baylor Bears Offensive Coordinator
The 53-year-old coach is an absolute offensive mastermind. There is rarely anyone better than Jeff Grimes when transforming college football from a coordinator’s point of view.
With the former Baylor offensive coordinator Larry Fedora, the Bears ranked No. 118 nationally in total offense stats. In the following season, Baylor won the Big 12 title and finished just at No. 53 in total offense in the NCAA.
You want smart football, there’s barely any better than Jeff Grimes, that’s why Jeff Grimes is OffGridNFL top choice for the best assistant coach in College Football.
Current Career Achievements: 2021 FootballScoop Offensive Coordinator of the Year
Baylor Bears total offense stats projection: Top 25 in total offense for the 2022 NCAA football season.
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Eddie Robinson Coach of the Year & Home Depot Award Prediction
Lincoln Riley, USC Trojans Head Coach
With a huge chance to become the greatest USC Trojans coach since Pete Carroll, new head coach Lincoln Riley is worthy of the earthquake levels of hype that’s coming his way heading into the 2022 CFB season.
The once beloved Oklahoma football coach is now playing villain while in California, The 38-year-old USC head coach brought in top talent like former Oklahoma QB Caleb Williams, 2021 Biletnikoff Award winner Jordan Addison from Pittsburgh University, among others.
Expect the unexpected with Lincoln Riley at USC, but do expect absolute insanity and fun watching this year’s 2022 USC Trojans Football Team.
Current Career Achievements: Broyles Award (2015), Big 12 Coach of the Year (2018), AP Big 12 Coach of the Year (2018).
2022 USC Trojans projected team record: 10-2; Makes the NCAA football playoffs
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2022 Disney Spirit Award Prediction
Haynes King, Texas A&M Aggies QB (Redshirt Sophomore)
After overcoming an serious season-ending right tibia injury last season, Haynes King is getting another chance to start for Texas A&M University.
His story is truly sensational and I think he’s going to have a great college football career going forward, that’s why he’s our pick for the Disney Spirit award for College football’s most inspirational player.
Current Career Achievements: 2020 Under Armour All-American Game.
2022 Projected Stats for Haynes King: 2,570 passing yards, 26 passing touchdowns, 15 interceptions, 59% completion percentage, 124.6 QB rating.
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2022 Burlsworth Trophy Award Prediction
Ross Fournet, FIU Panthers WR (Freshman)
Ross Fournet is our favorite for walk-on of the year due to his work ethic as a dedicated and hardworking player throughout his young career so far.
The former lacrosse turned football star created waves in high school while at Windermere Preparatory, having 10 passing touchdowns, 1,321 all-purpose yards, and 82 tackles during his senior year of high school – Despite all of that, he’s still walking into FIU as a walk-on.
I expect him to make a name for himself while at Florida International University, maybe even playing in the NFL someday due to his playmaking ability at his 5’9 size.
It’ll take a lot of hard work to achieve such accomplishments, but I truly believe that Ross Fournet is worthy of such expectations and that’s why he’s our Burlsworth Trophy Winner for the 2022 NCAA Football Season.
Current Career Achievements: 2019 Class 3A 2nd team all state, 2019 First Team All-Conference by the Sunshine State Athletic Conference, 2019 Windermere Prep Senior Male Athlete of the Year, 2022 FIU Football Hustle Award.
2022 Projected Stats for Ross Fournet: 71 catches for 950 receiving yards and 11 receiving touchdowns.
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2022 Patrick Mannelly Award Prediction
Matt Hembrough, Oklahoma State Cowboys Long Snapper (Redshirt Senior)
The All-American long snapper for OSU, Matt Hembrough has been absolutely perfect so far in his career, having over 375 career snaps, also more than 185 snaps on multiple punts and place kicks.
Expect him to add more to his career this season being considered the best long snapper in College Football.
Current Career Achievements: 3x First Team Academic All-Big 12 (2019-2021), 2021 AFCA All-America Second Team.
2022 Projected Stats for Matt Hembrough: 60 perfect snaps, 2 tackles.
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2022 Ray Guy Award Prediction
Adam Korsak, Rutgers Scarlet Knights Punter (Senior)
The All-American punter is the most important player on the Rutgers team. While the team might not be the best in football, this punter ultimately gives the defense a great chance at getting a safety with his coffin punts.
In 2021, Korsak led the nation with a net punt of 45.34. Of Korsak’s 70 punts, 37 punts were inside the 20-yard line while 15 stayed inside the 10-yard-line.
Current Career Achievements: 2021 Second Team All-America, 2021 Ray Guy Award (Fan Vote Winner), First Team All-Big Ten in the coaches’ vote.
2022 Projected Stats for Adam Korsak: 91 punts (career high), longest punt of the year: 80 yards.
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2022 Lou Groza Award Prediction
Jonah Dalmas, Boise State Broncos Kicker (Junior)
Dalmas adds something special towards an already good Boise State Broncos football team.
In 2021 as a sophomore student athlete for the Broncos, Dalmas led the country in field goals per game (2.17) and his career field goal percentage of .917 (33-of-36) which is the best in college football.
He’s easily going to win the best kicker in college football award, especially this year.
Current Career Achievements: Academic All-Mountain West (Fall 2020), 2020 All-Mountain West Honorable Mention, 2021 All-Mountain West First Team.
2022 Projected Stats for Jonah Dalmas: 31-34 field goals, 41-42 extra points.
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2022 Paul Hornung Award Prediction
Jahmyr Gibbs, Alabama Crimson Tide Running Back (Junior)
The versatile running back from Georgia Tech, Gibbs comes to Alabama with a bevy of skills unheard of for a Alabama player, as Jahmyr Gibbs is the definition of a true and pure dual threat for the Alabama offense.
Last season while at Georgia Tech, Jahmyr Gibbs put up a staggering 746 rushing yards for 4 rushing touchdowns and 470 receiving yards for 2 receiving touchdowns.
With Alabama having a creative talent like Gibbs, only expect things to grow astronomically from here now. He’s a star in the making and that’s why he’s our prediction to win the Paul Hornung Award for most versatile player in the country.
Current Career Achievements: 2021 Second-team All-American and First-team All-ACC.
2022 Projected Stats for Jahmyr Gibbs: 1,027 rushing yards, 8 rushing touchdowns, 45 receptions, 500 receiving yards, and 6 receiving touchdowns.
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2022 Jim Thorpe Award & Lott Impact Trophy Prediction
Jordan Battle, Alabama Crimson Tide Safety (Senior)
The dominant ball hawk from Alabama, Jordan Battle is just as fierce as his last name implies. The leader of Alabama’s secondary last season, Battle made 85 tackles, 3 interceptions, 3 pass deflections, and 2 defensive touchdowns.
There’s no better safety in the country better than Jordan Battle and after being snubbed in consideration last year Jim Thorpe award winner, Cincinnati’s Coby Bryant, I think this is the year he reminds the NCAA who the true baddest defensive back in the country is.
Current Career Achievements: 2021 First-team All-SEC, 2020 College Football National Champion.
2022 Projected Stats for Jordan Battle: 98 tackles, 4 forced fumbles, 2 fumble recoveries, 4 interceptions, 4 pass deflections, and 2 sacks.
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2022 Butkus Award Prediction
Noah Sewell, Oregon Ducks Linebacker (Sophomore)
The younger brother of Detroit Lions offensive lineman, Penei Sewell, Noah is likely to follow his brother’s path to the National Football League as well and most likely will be even better.
Last season as a freshman linebacker for the Oregon Ducks, Noah started all 14 games, stacking up an impressive 114 tackles and 4 sacks which allowed him to become a Butkus Award semi-finalist.
With this upcoming season, We believe that he’s a sure lock for winning the Butkus award this year.
The incredible athleticism and leadership from the younger Sewell is incredible, I think he’s 3rd best defensive player in the country, only behind Alabama’s Jordan Battle and Will Anderson Jr.
Current Career Achievements: 2020 Pac-12 Defensive Freshman of the Year, 2021 PFF all-Pac-12 second team, 2021 First-team All-Pac-12.
2022 Projected Stats for Noah Sewell: 125 tackles, 9.5 sacks, 2 forced fumbles, 3 pass deflections, and 2 interceptions.
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2022 Ted Hendricks Award Prediction
Myles Murphy, Clemson Tigers Defensive End (Junior)
A surefire top 15 overall draft pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, Murphy joined fellow Clemson Tigers legends such as Gaines Adams, Vic Beasley, & Clelin Ferrell as the only players in team history since 2000 to have multiple seasons with multiple forced fumbles and at least four sacks.
After posting 37 tackles with 7 sacks last season for the Tigers, Murphy will only grow from here. That’s why he is our top pick for best defensive end in College Football for 2022.
Current Career Achievements: 2020 Freshman All-American & 2021 Second-team All-ACC.
2022 Projected Stats for Myles Murphy: 43 tackles, 9.5 sacks, 5 forced fumbles, 1 fumble recovery, and 3 pass deflections.
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2022 Outland Trophy Prediction
Bryan Bresee, Clemson Tigers Defensive Tackle (Redshirt Sophomore)
Myles Murphy isn’t the only beast on the Clemson Tigers defensive line, Meet Bryan Bresee, a monster of a man at a listed 6’5 height, 290 pounds.
Bresee has racked up 36 tackles, 1 interception, & 5.5 sacks during his last two seasons at Clemson University, He’s a dominant threat on the Clemson defensive line and attacks like a wild bear while his teammate Myles Murphy gets all the praise.
It’s the perfect dynamic duo for Clemson and I believe Bresee will be seen as the best lineman in college football after this upcoming season, not just the sidekick to Myles Murphy.
Current Career Achievements: 2× USA Today All-American for 2018 and 2019, 2020 Freshman All-American, 2020 ACC Defensive Rookie of the Year, 2020 First-team All-ACC, & 2021 Third-team All-ACC.
2022 Projected Stats for Bryan Bresee: 23 tackles, 7.5 sacks, 2 forced fumbles, & 1 interception.
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2022 Rimington Award Prediction
LaQuinston Sharp, Mississippi State Center (Graduate Student)
After only surrendering two sacks and seven hurries in 786 passing snaps last season, LaQuinston Sharp is considered a long shot by many experts to win the Rimington Award.
The Mississippi State product should be considered a lock in our opinion, finishing his senior season with a career-best 83.8 percent pass blocking grade for the season from PFF.
With one more season left in his college football career, we’re expecting a breakout season, being considered the best offensive lineman center in the country.
Current Career Achievements: 2021 All-SEC honorable mention by PFF (Pro Football Focus).
2022 Projected Stats for LaQuinston Sharp: 16 pancake 🥞 blocks, only allows 2 sacks for the whole 2022 season.
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2022 John Mackey Award Prediction
Brock Bowers, Georgia Bulldogs Tight End (Sophomore)
The freshman All-American is insanely talented, widely considered to be the NFL’s next elite tight end considering all the things he’s done last season with below average QB play.
Bowers had 56 receptions for 882 receiving yards and 13 receiving touchdowns last season, expect a bigger season as a sophomore on a Georgia team that has less superstar talent than it did last year.
Current Career Achievements: 2021 CFP national champion, Second-team All-American, SEC Freshman of the Year, & First-team All-SEC.
2022 Projected Stats for Brock Bowers: 76 receptions, 1,025 receiving yards, and 20 receiving touchdowns.
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2022 Biletnikoff Award Prediction
Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Ohio State Buckeyes Wide Receiver (Junior)
Last year’s Rose Bowl Game vs Utah was just a stark reminder of JSN’s greatness. A performance that consisted of 15 catches for 347 yards and three touchdowns. He set the record for most receiving yards in any bowl game in FBS history. He’s set to make even more this year.
95 catches, 1,606 receiving yards, and 9 receiving touchdowns on a stacked wide receiving core at Ohio State University. JSN will become an all-time Ohio State Buckeyes legend when leaving to go to the NFL.
For now though, he’ll have to live with being the best wide receiver in College Football, consider him a easy lock for the Biletnikoff Award for the 2022 College Football season.
Current Career Achievements: 2022 Rose Bowl (MVP), 2021 Third-team All-American, 2021 Third-team All-Big Ten, 2019 Landry Award.
2022 Projected Stats for JSN: 100 receptions, 2,022 receiving yards, and 21 receiving touchdowns.
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2022 Doak Walker Award Prediction
Braelon Allen, Wisconsin Badgers Running Back (Sophomore)
College Football’s next Derrick Henry, Braelon Allen was terrorizing Big-10 defenses at 17 years old last season, dashing for 1,268 rushing yards and 12 rushing touchdowns.
The fact that we’ll likely see two more years of Braelon Allen in College Football is a beautiful thing to experience, unless you have to play against him, then you’ll hate it.
Current Career Achievements: 2021 Second-team All-Big Ten, 2021 Las Vegas Bowl (MVP).
2022 Projected Stats for Braelon Allen: 2,050 rushing yards, 23 rushing touchdowns, 98 receiving yards, & 2 receiving touchdowns.
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2022 Walter Jones Trophy Prediction
Jalen Williams-Fuller, Shasta Juco (CA) Running Back (Sophomore)
The humble All-American running back from Shasta Juco is in store for a huge workload this year, that can turn him into a big name in college football circles.
After gaining impressive 1,231 rushing yards and 16 rushing touchdowns doing his high school football career at Agua Fria High School in Arizona, he’s set for even bigger things at Shasta Juco, don’t be surprised if he’s on a division one college campus after this season.
Current Career Achievements: 2020 High School Scout Trout Elite All-American Bowl.
2022 Projected Stats for JWF: 1,150 rushing yards, 15 rushing touchdowns, 230 receiving yards, & 3 receiving touchdowns.
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2022 Gagliardi Trophy Prediction
Liam Thompson, Wabash College Quarterback (Junior)
The heart of Wabash College, then Sophomore QB Liam Thompson put up momentous stats last season, putting up 2,956 passing yards and 28 passing touchdowns.
That’s not even mentioning his 411 rushing yards and 9 rushing touchdowns as Liam Thompson is as duel threat as they come in college football.
Now as a Junior, Thompson is set on leading the Wabash Little Giants to a Division III national championship, he has the skills to do it, but can he put that into action? I guess we’ll see.
Current Career Achievements: 2022 Manning Camp QB, 2019 Second Team All-North Coast Athletic Conference honors, 2021 North Coast Athletic Conference Offensive Player of the Year, 2021 First Team All-North Coast Athletic Conference, & D3football.com Second Team All-Region 4 honors.
2022 Projected Stats for Liam Thompson: 4,000 passing yards, 40 passing touchdowns, 10 interceptions, 69% completion percentage, 150.69 QB rating.
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2022 Harlon Hill Trophy Prediction
Antoine Holloway II, Notre Dame Falcons (OH) Defensive Back (Junior)
This might be a little bit of a bias, as I’m currently a student at Notre Dame College of Ohio. But the stats don’t lie, Antoine Holloway II is truly one of the most elite division two players in the country.
Holloway had 6 interceptions, 9 pass deflections, and 44 tackles last season for the Notre Dame Falcons. Holloway is the premier ball hawk that Notre Dame College adores and will be absolutely in store for an even bigger season in 2022.
Current Career Achievements: College Football America Yearbook DII Preseason Top-30 players.
2022 Projected Stats for Antoine Holloway II: 9 interceptions, 8 pass deflections, 40 tackles, 1 forced fumble, & 1 fumble recovery.
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2022 Buck Buchanan Award Prediction
Titus Leo, Wagner Seahawks Defensive End/Linebacker (Graduate Student)
Last season as the leader of the Wagner Seahawks, Leo piled up 71 tackles (18.5 tackles for loss), and 7 of which is credited as sacks. Titus Leo plays every single down likes it’s his last, every game like it’s a battle, every season like it’s a war.
There’s not a more violent linebacker in Division I FCS than Titus Leo. We are huge fans of Titus Leo and that’s why he’s our pick for the best defensive player in Division I FCS.
Current Career Achievements: HERO Sports First Team All-American 2021, Stats Perform FCS Third Team All-American 2021, Spring And Fall 2021 NEC Defensive Player of the Year, 2021 Buck Buchanan Award Finalist, & Phil Steele Third Team All-American 2021.
2022 Projected Stats for Titus Leo: 14.5 sacks, 69 tackles, 3 forced fumbles, 1 fumble recovery, 1 interception, & 1 pass deflection.
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2022 Walter Payton Award Prediction
Tim DeMorat, Fordham Rams Quarterback (Senior)
Last season for the Fordham Rams, Tim DeMorat threw for 3,214 passing yards, 31 passing touchdowns, 92 rushing yards, and 4 rushing touchdowns.
Tim DeMorat is constantly a offensive threat in the Patriot League. But he’s never won the Walter Payton Award, I believe that will change this season, going out on top as a senior for the Rams.
Current Career Achievements: 2021 Patriot League Offensive Player of the Year award, 2021 Phil Steele Patriot League Offensive Player of the Year, 3x First Team All-Patriot League, Patriot League Academic Honor Roll.
2022 Projected Stats for Tom DeMorat: 4,000 passing yards, 40 passing touchdowns, 10 interceptions, 69% completion percentage, 150.69 QB rating.
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2022 Johnny Unitas Golden Arm & Walter Camp Award Prediction
Bryce Young, Alabama Crimson Tide Quarterback (Junior)
Bryce Young will be the number one overall draft pick for the 2023 NFL Draft, no doubt in our opinion on that. But I don’t see him repeating with winning the Heisman trophy award due to this year’s WR core not as great as last year’s.
With that being said, Bryce Young is still the best QB in college football and will create a tough path for our Heisman Trophy winner for this year, CJ Stroud from Ohio State.
Last year, Bryce Young was snubbed out of the Walter Camp Award consideration due to Michigan State’s Kenneth Walker III, I think he wins it this year and also teaches the Walter Camp voters not to doubt him again, while also adding onto his long list of accomplishments with the Johnny Unitas Golden Arm award as the top upperclassmen QB.
Current Career Achievements: 2021 Heisman Trophy Winner, Best Male College Athlete ESPY Award, Maxwell Award, Davey O’Brien Award, Manning Award, AP College Football Player of the Year, Sporting News College Football Player of the Year, All-American, SEC Offensive Player of the Year, SEC Championship Game MVP, First team All-SEC, 2020 CFP National Champion.
2022 Projected Stats for Bryce Young: 5,000 passing yards, 53 passing touchdowns, 6 interceptions, 69% completion percentage, 186.25 QB rating.
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2022 Bednarik Award & Bronko Nagurski Trophy Prediction
Will Anderson Jr, Alabama Crimson Tide Linebacker (Junior)
When you think of the best defensive football seasons in College Football history of the 2020s, don’t be surprised when Will Anderson’s name becomes immortalized for his unbelievable performances during 2022.
Last season, Will Anderson Jr had 17.5 sacks, an astounding 101 tackles, and 3 passes deflections. This man is a absolute beast and a headache for college football defenses everywhere.
Barring any major injury, expect Will Anderson Jr to have one of the greatest defensive years in college football history since Charles Woodson won the Heisman in 1997. He’s that good.
Current Career Achievements: 2021 Bronko Nagurski Trophy, 2021 SEC Defensive Player of the Year, and unanimous All-American with 17.5 sacks and 34.5 tackles for loss, leading the nation in both categories.
2022 Projected Stats for Will Anderson Jr: 22.5 sacks, 139 tackles, 4 forced fumbles, 1 fumble recovery, 2 interceptions, & 2 pass deflections.
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The Big Ones…
2022 Davey O’Brien, Maxwell & Heisman Award Winner Prediction
C.J. Stroud, Ohio State Buckeyes Quarterback (Ohio State’s 8th Heisman)
CJ Stroud with the absolute best WR core in America, is a huge hit among sportsbooks betting markets (+200) for a reason. I believe with his 2nd year starting as the Ohio State QB, Stroud is set to have an insanely monumental year for the Buckeyes.
It’ll be a another close fight this season with Alabama QB Bryce Young, but I can see CJ Stroud winning the Heisman consider that this team with a much better receiving core with the Ohio State Buckeyes making a serious run for the National Championship this season.
Last season, CJ Stroud had 44 passing touchdowns and 4,435 passing yards. Expect Stroud to only grow from that with experience usually comes better play in College Football.
Current Career Achievements: 6x Big Ten Freshman of the Week, first team All-Big Ten Honors, 2021 Heisman Finalist.
2022 Projected Stats for CJ Stroud: 5,365 passing yards, 61 passing touchdowns, 9 interceptions, 75% completion percentage, 185.75 QB rating.
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2022 NCAA National Championships Prediction
Alabama Crimson Tide
Analysis: After last year’s heartbreaking loss to the Georgia Bulldogs in the 2021 National Championship, I believe the Crimson Tide is coming back for blood.
Bryce Young revenge season is set to be immaculate for the 2022 College Football season and with Alabama head coach Nick Saban back at the helm, the stage is set to make the dream come true for Alabama’s soon-to-be 19th National Championship in school history.
Projected College Football Playoff Final Four: (4) USC, (3) Georgia, (2) Ohio State, (1) Alabama
NCAA National Championship Game Final Score: Alabama (28) Ohio State (24)
National Championship Game Offensive MVP prediction: Alabama QB Bryce Young – 21-28 passing completions, 320 passing yards, 2 passing touchdowns.
National Championship Game Defensive MVP prediction: Alabama Safety Jordan Battle – 7 tackles, 1 interception, & 2 pass deflections.
