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University of Wyoming running back Samuel “Tote” Harris has landed on the watch list for the 90th Maxwell Award, a national honor that draws attention to players who could shape the college football season and attract NFL interest. The recognition arrives as Harris heads into the fall after being named a preseason All-Mountain West choice by both Phil Steele and Athlon Sports.
Harris enters the campaign off a season that showcased his dual-threat ability. He finished with 558 rushing yards on 100 carries—an average of 5.6 yards per attempt—and added a notable presence as a receiver out of the backfield.
His best single-game totals included a career-high 126 yards against Colorado and a compact, efficient 102-yard outing on just 12 carries versus Fresno State. In the passing game, Harris compiled 184 yards on 16 catches, including a long 52-yard reception against San Jose State.
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- Award recognition: Named to the 90th Maxwell Award watch list (award for the nation’s most outstanding college football player).
- Preseason honors: Selected All-Mountain West in preseason ballots by Phil Steele and Athlon Sports.
- Rushing/receiving: 558 rushing yards, 100 carries, 5.6 yards per carry; 184 receiving yards on 16 receptions last season.
- Key games: 126 rushing yards vs. Colorado; 102 rushing yards on 12 carries vs. Fresno State; 52-yard catch vs. San Jose State.
What the watch list means
Being named to the Maxwell watch list puts Harris among a national pool of FBS players to monitor throughout the season. For Wyoming, the nod represents more than individual praise: it signals the Cowboys’ backfield as a legitimate storyline for media and NFL scouts this fall.
Past winners of the Maxwell Award have gone on to major professional opportunities—most recently, the previous winner, Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza, left college and was selected first overall in the NFL Draft by the Las Vegas Raiders—illustrating how the award can correlate with high draft interest.
Key dates in the Maxwell selection process
The Maxwell Award committee will pare the field as the season progresses. Important milestones to watch:
- Nov. 10 — Semifinalists announced
- Nov. 24 — Three finalists revealed
- Dec. 10 — Winner announced during the ESPN Home Depot College Football Awards Show
For fans and evaluators tracking prospects, Harris’s inclusion on the watch list makes each upcoming game more consequential. Strong performances this fall could elevate his national profile, affect Wyoming’s offensive narrative and influence NFL draft conversations as the season moves toward November’s semifinal cut and the final award decision in December.
