As a Stats Perform FCS Top 25 media poll voter and national awards voter, I think it’s important to be transparent about my voting and reasoning.
I’ll publish my weekly Top 25 ballot every Sunday or Monday, and I’ll also provide a midseason update on who I have my eye on for major awards like the Walter Payton Award (FCS Offensive Player of the Year) and the Buck Buchanan Award (FCS Defensive Player of the Year).
Here are my five favorites for the Walter Payton Award entering October.
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5. Monmouth QB Derek Robertson
Robertson transferred in-conference from Maine to Monmouth this offseason. After throwing for 2,933 yards and 25 touchdowns last year as an All-CAA Honorable Mention selection, the senior is off to a blistering start with his new team this fall. Robertson leads the FCS with 1,676 passing yards and 14 passing touchdowns. He is completing 66% of his passes (119/179) and has a 14:4 TD:INT ratio. Robertson’s 166.5 passing efficiency ranks No. 8 in the FCS.
4. Tarleton State RB Kayvon Britten
Just five games into the year, Britten is closing in on his third consecutive 1,000-yard rushing season. The back-to-back All-Conference First Team selection (2022 at Arkansas-Pine Bluff, 2023 at Tarleton), has rushed 113 times for 833 yards and six touchdowns. Britten leads the FCS in rushing yards while his 7.37 yards per carry ranks No. 11.
RELATED: Week 5 Top 25 FCS Scoreboard
3. Montana RB Eli Gillman
The 2023 Jerry Rice Award winner looks even better in 2024. In five games, he has rushed 56 times for 565 yards and seven touchdowns. The 565 yards rank No. 6 in the FCS. Of the Top 10 rushers, every back has at least 77 attempts besides Gillman. His 10.1 yards per carry ranks No. 1 nationally.
2. Central Arkansas RB ShunDerrick Powell
Powell is already nearing his third straight 1,000-yard rushing season. Through five games, he has rushed 91 times for 810 yards and 10 touchdowns while adding 12 catches for 195 yards and two touchdowns. Powell has rushed for at least 120 yards in every game and has scored two rushing TDs in every contest. His 810 yards and 8.9 yards per carry rank No. 2 in the FCS.
FCS Top 25: Sam Herder’s Ballot
1. North Dakota State QB Cam Miller
After an All-American 2023 campaign, Miller is playing the best ball of his career. In five games, he is completing 78.3% of his passes (90/115) for 1,143 yards, nine touchdowns, and zero interceptions. The dual-threat Miller also has 190 rushing yards and five TDs. His 187.6 passing efficiency ranks No. 1 in the FCS.
