We like watching college football, from the kickoff of Sun Belt Tuesday to whenever the last Mountain West game ends, from opening night at Williams-Brice to the second song after Army-Navy. We like reading and watching and studying it and talking about it, too.
We have many different opinions on which players and coaches delivered the best performances this season, as do all of you. Dozens of our network's writers from all around the country filled out ballots for this year's picks. We welcome your feedback in the comments below. Thanks for making us a part of your college football, all year long.
Quarterback & Running Backs
Only Johnny Manziel and Jadeveon Clowney might've generated more discussion in 2013 than Florida State's Jameis Winston. With FSU less than a month away from the ultimate statement game, that's unlikely to cease anytime soon. The rest of his backfield here, Boston College's Andre Williams and Arizona's Ka'Deem Carey, each dominated despite facing frequent eight-man fronts.
Jameis Winston
Florida State Seminoles
237/349 (67.9%), 3,820 YDS, 38 TDs, 10 INTs, 193 rushing YDS, 4 rushing TDs
- Jameis Winston, Florida State - 22 votes
- Jordan Lynch, Northern Illinois - 11 votes
- Johnny Manziel, Texas A&M - 7 votes
- Derek Carr, Fresno State - 4 votes
- Marcus Mariota, Oregon - 2 votes
- Teddy Bridgewater, Louisville - 2 votes
- AJ McCarron, Alabama - 1 vote
- Chuckie Keeton, Utah State - 1 vote
Andre Williams
Boston College Eagles
2,102 YDS, 17 TDs, 175.17 YDS/G
- Andre Williams, Boston College - 34 votes
- Ka'Deem Carey, Arizona - 14 votes
- Carlos Hyde, Ohio State - 11 votes
- Tre Mason, Auburn - 4 votes
- Bishop Sankey, Washington - 4 votes
- Melvin Gordon, Wisconsin - 4 votes
- Kapri Bibbs, Colorado State - 4 votes
- TJ Yeldon, Alabama - 3 votes
- Ameer Abdullah, Nebraska - 3 votes
- Jordan Lynch, Northern Illinois - 3 votes
- Lache Seastrunk, Baylor - 2 votes
Ka'Deem Carey
Arizona Wildcats
1,716 YDS, 17 TDs, 156 YDS/G, 173 receiving YDS, 1 receiving TD
- Andre Williams, Boston College - 34 votes
- Ka'Deem Carey, Arizona - 14 votes
- Carlos Hyde, Ohio State - 11 votes
- Tre Mason, Auburn - 4 votes
- Bishop Sankey, Washington - 4 votes
- Melvin Gordon, Wisconsin - 4 votes
- Kapri Bibbs, Colorado State - 4 votes
- TJ Yeldon, Alabama - 3 votes
- Ameer Abdullah, Nebraska - 3 votes
- Jordan Lynch, Northern Illinois - 3 votes
- Lache Seastrunk, Baylor - 2 votes
Wide Receivers & Tight End
We planned on awarding two wide receivers and two tight ends, but due to a tie, we're spreading our offense out. Mike Evans might not have the eye-popping numbers of fellow first-teamers Brandin Cooks and Davante Adams, but when you put 566 yards and five touchdowns on the country's No. 2 and 3 teams, you're in.
Mike Evans
Texas A&M Aggies
1,322 YDS, 12 TDs, 110 YDS/G, 20.34 YDS/R
- Mike Evans, Texas A&M - 22 votes
- Davante Adams, Fresno State - 13 votes
- Brandin Cooks, Oregon State - 13 votes
- Allen Robinson, Penn State - 8 votes
- Willie Snead, Ball State - 4 votes
- Sammy Watkins, Clemson - 4 votes
- Jordan Matthews, Vanderbilt - 3 votes
- Jeremy Gallon, Michigan - 1 vote
- Antwan Goodley, Baylor - 1 vote
- Odell Beckham Jr., LSU - 1 vote
Davante Adams (tie)
Fresno State Bulldogs
1,645 YDS, 23 TDs, 137.1 YDS/G, 13.48 YDS/R
- Mike Evans, Texas A&M - 22 votes
- Davante Adams, Fresno State - 13 votes
- Brandin Cooks, Oregon State - 13 votes
- Allen Robinson, Penn State - 8 votes
- Willie Snead, Ball State - 4 votes
- Sammy Watkins, Clemson - 4 votes
- Jordan Matthews, Vanderbilt - 3 votes
- Jeremy Gallon, Michigan - 1 vote
- Antwan Goodley, Baylor - 1 vote
- Odell Beckham Jr., LSU - 1 vote
Brandin Cooks (tie)
Oregon State Beavers
1,670 YDS, 15 TDs, 139.2 YDS/G, 13.92 YDS/R
- Mike Evans, Texas A&M - 22 votes
- Davante Adams, Fresno State - 13 votes
- Brandin Cooks, Oregon State - 13 votes
- Allen Robinson, Penn State - 8 votes
- Willie Snead, Ball State - 4 votes
- Sammy Watkins, Clemson - 4 votes
- Jordan Matthews, Vanderbilt - 3 votes
- Jeremy Gallon, Michigan - 1 vote
- Antwan Goodley, Baylor - 1 vote
- Odell Beckham Jr., LSU - 1 vote
Jace Amaro
Texas Tech Red Raiders
1,240 YDS, 7 TDs, 103.3 YDS/G, 12.65 YDS/R
- Jace Amaro, Texas Tech - 59 votes
- Eric Ebron, North Carolina - 34 votes
- Nick O'Leary, Florida State - 12 votes
- Devin Funchess, Michigan - 6 votes
- Gator Hoskins, Marshall - 4 votes
- Austin Seferian-Jenkins, Washington - 4 votes
- Ted Bolser, Indiana - 1 vote
Offensive Line
The pieces of our starting offensive line powered four of the country's 15 best offenses, according to Football Outsiders. (And then there's Arkansas.) Two were blue-chip recruits, one's the son of a Pro Football Hall of Famer, and all will be among the first players drafted at their positions.
Jake Matthews
Texas A&M Aggies
- Jake Matthews, Texas A&M - 26 votes
- Cyrus Kouandjio, Alabama - 8 votes
- Taylor Lewan, Michigan - 6 votes
- Cameron Erving, Florida State - 4 votes
- Jack Mewhort, Ohio State - 1 vote
- Matt Patchan, Boston College - 1 vote
- Tyler Loos, Northern Illinois - 1 vote
- Cedric Ogbuehi, Texas A&M - 1 vote
Cyrus Kouandjio
Alabama Crimson Tide
- Jake Matthews, Texas A&M - 26 votes
- Cyrus Kouandjio, Alabama - 8 votes
- Taylor Lewan, Michigan - 6 votes
- Cameron Erving, Florida State - 4 votes
- Jack Mewhort, Ohio State - 1 vote
- Matt Patchan, Boston College - 1 vote
- Tyler Loos, Northern Illinois - 1 vote
- Cedric Ogbuehi, Texas A&M - 1 vote
Cyril Richardson
Baylor Bears
- Cyril Richardson, Baylor - 18 votes
- David Yankey, Stanford - 16 votes
- Ryan Groy, Wisconsin - 3 votes
- Xavier Su'a-Filo, UCLA - 2 votes
- Dominic Flewellyn, Bowling Green - 1 vote
- Josue Matias, Florida State - 1 vote
- Jarvis Harrison, Texas A&M - 1 vote
- Anthony Steen, Alabama - 1 vote
- Tre' Jackson, Florida State - 1 vote
- Gabe Jackson, Mississippi State - 1 vote
David Yankey
Stanford Cardinal
- Cyril Richardson, Baylor - 18 votes
- David Yankey, Stanford - 16 votes
- Ryan Groy, Wisconsin - 3 votes
- Xavier Su'a-Filo, UCLA - 2 votes
- Dominic Flewellyn, Bowling Green - 1 vote
- Josue Matias, Florida State - 1 vote
- Jarvis Harrison, Texas A&M - 1 vote
- Anthony Steen, Alabama - 1 vote
- Tre' Jackson, Florida State - 1 vote
- Gabe Jackson, Mississippi State - 1 vote
Travis Swanson
Arkansas Razorbacks
- Travis Swanson, Arkansas - 6 votes
- Hroniss Grasu, Oregon - 5 votes
- Bryan Stork, Florida State - 5 votes
- Tyler Larsen, Utah State - 2 votes
- Weston Richburg, Colorado State - 1 vote
- Zac Kerin, Toledo - 1 vote
- Mike Matthews, Texas A&M - 1 vote
Defensive Line
Pittsburgh's Aaron Donald blew up more plays per game behind the line of scrimmage than any defender since 2007. He's joined by a leader of what Nick Saban called the SEC's best front, a Big Ten beast who was the subject of an SB Nation longform, and the state of South Carolina's surprise sacks leader.
Michael Sam
Missouri Tigers
45 tackles, 18.0 TFL, 10.5 sacks, 1 fumble forced
- Michael Sam, Missouri - 12 votes
- Vic Beasley, Clemson - 11 votes
- Marcus Smith, Louisville - 9 votes
- Jackson Jeffcoat, Texas - 6 votes
- Jeremiah Attaochu, Georgia Tech - 2 votes
- Leonard Williams, USC - 2 votes
Vic Beasley
Clemson Tigers
36 tackles, 19 TFL, 12 sacks, 4 forced fumbles
- Michael Sam, Missouri - 12 votes
- Vic Beasley, Clemson - 11 votes
- Marcus Smith, Louisville - 9 votes
- Jackson Jeffcoat, Texas - 6 votes
- Jeremiah Attaochu, Georgia Tech - 2 votes
- Leonard Williams, USC - 2 votes
Aaron Donald
Pittsburgh Panthers
54 tackles, 26.5 TFL, 10 sacks, 16 QB hurries, 4 fumbles forced
- Aaron Donald, Pittsburgh - 21 votes
- Ra'Shede Hageman, Minnesota - 8 votes
- Will Sutton, Arizona State - 7 votes
- Nikita Whitlock, Wake Forest - 4 votes
- Louis Nix III, Notre Dame - 4 votes
- Jay Bromley, Syracuse - 2 votes
- Martin Ifedi, Memphis - 1 vote
Ra'Shede Hageman
Minnesota Golden Gophers
34 tackles, 11 TFL, 2 sacks, 8 passes broken up, 2 kicks blocked, 1 INT
- Aaron Donald, Pittsburgh - 21 votes
- Ra'Shede Hageman, Minnesota - 8 votes
- Will Sutton, Arizona State - 7 votes
- Nikita Whitlock, Wake Forest - 4 votes
- Louis Nix III, Notre Dame - 4 votes
- Jay Bromley, Syracuse - 2 votes
- Martin Ifedi, Memphis - 1 vote
Linebackers
Is this the deepest position group of the year? The middle of the defense made for our tightest vote, and our second-team linebackers could serve as a starting trio without dropoff. Fun fact: our No. 1, the explosive Anthony Barr, has only been playing the position for two years now.
Anthony Barr
UCLA Bruins
63 tackles, 20 TFL, 10 sacks, 6 fumbles forced
- Anthony Barr, UCLA - 22 votes
- Khalil Mack, Buffalo - 20 votes
- Trent Murphy, Stanford - 20 votes
- C.J. Mosley, Alabama - 18 votes
- Ryan Shazier, Ohio State - 8 votes
- Chris Borland, Wisconsin - 8 votes
- Shaquil Barrett, Colorado State - 4 votes
- Shayne Skov, Stanford - 4 votes
- Myles Jack, UCLA - 3 votes
- Kyle Van Noy, BYU - 2 votes
Khalil Mack
Buffalo Bulls
94 tackles, 19 TFL, 10.5 sacks, 5 fumbles forced, 3 INTs, 2 TDs
- Anthony Barr, UCLA - 22 votes
- Khalil Mack, Buffalo - 20 votes
- Trent Murphy, Stanford - 20 votes
- C.J. Mosley, Alabama - 18 votes
- Ryan Shazier, Ohio State - 8 votes
- Chris Borland, Wisconsin - 8 votes
- Shaquil Barrett, Colorado State - 4 votes
- Shayne Skov, Stanford - 4 votes
- Myles Jack, UCLA - 3 votes
- Kyle Van Noy, BYU - 2 votes
Trent Murphy
Stanford Cardinal
58 tackles, 21.5 TFL, 14 sacks, 2 fumbles forced, 1 INT, 1 TD
- Anthony Barr, UCLA - 22 votes
- Khalil Mack, Buffalo - 20 votes
- Trent Murphy, Stanford - 20 votes
- C.J. Mosley, Alabama - 18 votes
- Ryan Shazier, Ohio State - 8 votes
- Chris Borland, Wisconsin - 8 votes
- Shaquil Barrett, Colorado State - 4 votes
- Shayne Skov, Stanford - 4 votes
- Myles Jack, UCLA - 3 votes
- Kyle Van Noy, BYU - 2 votes
Defensive Backs
The top defensive backs on two of college football's best defenses and maybe the two best ballhawks give us a secondary that could shut down any passing attack. Justin Gilbert led what was the Big 12's best pass defense in yards-per-attempt and second in passer rating.
Justin Gilbert
Oklahoma State Cowboys
6 INTs, 7 PBUs, 40 tackles, 3 total TDs
- Justin Gilbert, Oklahoma State - 16 votes
- Darqueze Dennard, Michigan State - 14 votes
- Lamarcus Joyner, Florida State - 9 votes
- Jason Verrett, TCU - 7 votes
- Ifo Ekpre-Olomu, Oregon - 6 votes
- Lorenzo Doss, Tulane - 3 votes
- D'Joun Smith, FAU - 2 votes
- Blake Countess, Michigan - 2 votes
Darqueze Dennard
Michigan State Spartans
4 INTs, 59 tackles, 10 pass breakups, 2.5 TFL, 2 forced fumbles
- Justin Gilbert, Oklahoma State - 16 votes
- Darqueze Dennard, Michigan State - 14 votes
- Lamarcus Joyner, Florida State - 9 votes
- Jason Verrett, TCU - 7 votes
- Ifo Ekpre-Olomu, Oregon - 6 votes
- Lorenzo Doss, Tulane - 3 votes
- D'Joun Smith, FAU - 2 votes
- Blake Countess, Michigan - 2 votes
Anthony Harris
Virginia Cavaliers
8 INTs, 80 tackles, 6 pass breakups, 3.5 TFL, 1 sack, 1 forced fumble
- Anthony Harris, Virginia - 11 votes
- Ha Ha Clinton-Dix, Alabama - 10 votes
- Calvin Pryor, Louisville - 3 votes
- Deone Bucannon, Washington State - 3 votes
- Ty Zimmerman, Kansas State - 2 votes
- Vinnie Sunseri, Alabama - 2 votes
- Terrence Brooks, Florida State - 2 votes
Ha Ha Clinton-Dix
Alabama Crimson Tide
2 INTs, 45 tackles, 4 pass breakups, 1.5 TFL
- Anthony Harris, Virginia - 11 votes
- Ha Ha Clinton-Dix, Alabama - 10 votes
- Calvin Pryor, Louisville - 3 votes
- Deone Bucannon, Washington State - 3 votes
- Ty Zimmerman, Kansas State - 2 votes
- Vinnie Sunseri, Alabama - 2 votes
- Terrence Brooks, Florida State - 2 votes
Specialists
Though special teams seldom gets the credit it deserves (we miss you, Jim Tressel), it proved to be one of our most contentious votes. Three or four kickers warranted top honors, and a number of punters are just as deserving. And the most notorious return play in college football history isn't enough for Chris Davis to make the cut.
Jeff Budzien
Northwestern Wildcats
23-25 (92%), 35-35 PATs, 32.31% touchbacks
- Jeff Budzien, Northwestern - 5 votes
- Anthony Fera, Texas - 4 votes
- Jeremiah Detmer, Toledo - 3 votes
- Nate Freese, Boston College - 3 votes
- Roberto Aguayo, Florida State - 3 votes
- Zane Gonzalez, Arizona State - 2 votes
- Austin Lopez, San Jose State - 2 votes
- Andy Phillips, Utah - 2 votes
- Marvin Kloss, USF - 2 votes
Drew Kaser
Texas A&M Aggies
47.39 yards per punt
- Drew Kaser, Texas A&M - 7 votes
- Austin Rehkow, Idaho - 6 votes
- Zac Murphy, Miami (OH) - 6 votes
- Mike Sadler, Michigan State - 3 votes
- Pat O'Donnell, Miami - 2 votes
- Cody Webster, Purdue - 2 votes
- Tom Hornsey, Memphis - 2 votes
Ty Montgomery
Stanford Cardinal
31.16 yards per return, 76.7 return yards per game, 2 return TDs
- Ty Montgomery, Stanford - 6 votes
- Carlos Wiggins, New Mexico - 5 votes
- Ryan Switzer, North Carolina - 5 votes
- Chris Davis, Auburn - 4 votes
- Sammy Watkins, Clemson - 1 vote
- Stacy Coley, Miami - 1 vote
- Brelan Chancellor, North Texas - 1 vote
- Justin Gilbert, Oklahoma State - 1 vote
- Trey Williams, Texas A&M - 1 vote
Individual and Conference Awards
Let's keep going. And because this is SB Nation, you get our choice for the best GIF from 2013. It's only natural.
Offensive Player of the Year
Jameis Winston, Florida State
The electric freshman doesn't have the biggest stats and didn't play the toughest schedule, but he helped his team trash its opponents so badly that he rarely played full games.
Defensive Player of the Year
Aaron Donald, Pittsburgh
The best player none of your friends are talking about. Had he played for a slightly better team, everyone would compare his year to Ndamukong Suh's Heisman-finalist season.
Coach of the Year
Gus Malzahn, Auburn
A year removed from losing all eight of its conference games, Auburn is one win away from its second national title in four years.
GIF of the Year
The kick six
As if it could be anything else. Sorry, Alabama fans.
SB Nation's All-America Second Team
Offense
QB Jordan Lynch, Northern Illinois
RB Carlos Hyde, Ohio State
RB Tre Mason, Auburn
WR Allen Robinson, Penn State*
TE Eric Ebron, North Carolina
OT Taylor Lewan, Michigan
OT Cameron Erving, Florida State
OG Ryan Groy, Wisconsin
OG Xavier Su'a-Filo, UCLA
C Hroniss Grasu, Oregon (tie)
C Bryan Stork, Florida State (tie)
Defense
DE Marcus Smith, Louisville
DE Jackson Jeffcoat, Texas
DT Will Sutton, Arizona State
DT Nikita Whitlock, Wake Forest (tie)
DT Louis Nix III, Notre Dame (tie)
LB C.J. Mosley, Alabama
LB Ryan Shazier, Ohio State
LB Chris Borland, Wisconsin
CB Lamarcus Joyner, Florida State
CB Jason Verrett, TCU
S Calvin Pryor, Louisville
S Deone Bucannon, Washington State
Specialists
K Anthony Fera, Texas
P Austin Rehkow, Idaho (tie)
P Zac Murphy, Miami (OH) (tie)
RET Carlos Wiggins, New Mexico (tie)
RET Ryan Switzer, North Carolina (tie)
* = One slot fewer due to tie in first team
Rest of the best
The American Offensive Player of the Year:
Teddy Bridgewater, Louisville
The American Defensive Player of the Year:
Marcus Smith, Louisville
The American Coach of the Year:
George O'Leary, UCF
ACC Offensive Player of the Year:
Jameis Winston, Florida State
ACC Defensive Player of the Year:
Aaron Donald, Pittsburgh
ACC Coach of the Year:
David Cutcliffe, Duke
Big 12 Offensive Player of the Year:
Bryce Petty, Baylor
Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year:
Justin Gilbert, Oklahoma State
Big 12 Coach of the Year:
Art Briles, Baylor
Big Ten Offensive Player of the Year:
Braxton Miller, Ohio State
Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year:
Chris Borland, Wisconsin
Big Ten Coach of the Year:
Mark Dantonio, Michigan State
Conference USA Offensive Player of the Year:
Rakeem Cato, Marshall
Conference USA Defensive Player of the Year:
Lorenzo Doss, Tulane
Conference USA Coach of the Year:
David Bailiff, Rice
Independent Offensive Player of the Year:
Keenan Reynolds, Navy
Independent Defensive Player of the Year:
Kyle Van Noy, BYU
Independent Coach of the Year:
Ken Niumatalolo, Navy
MAC Offensive Player of the Year:
Jordan Lynch, Northern Illinois
MAC Defensive Player of the Year:
Khalil Mack, Buffalo
MAC Coach of the Year:
Pete Lembo, Ball State
MWC Offensive Player of the Year:
Derek Carr, Fresno State
MWC Defensive Player of the Year:
Shaquil Barrett, Colorado State
MWC Coach of the Year:
Matt Wells, Utah State
Pac-12 Offensive Player of the Year:
Marcus Mariota, Oregon
Pac-12 Defensive Player of the Year:
Anthony Barr, UCLA
Pac-12 Coach of the Year:
Ed Orgeron, USC
SEC Offensive Player of the Year:
Johnny Manziel, Texas A&M
SEC Defensive Player of the Year:
C.J. Mosley, Alabama
SEC Coach of the Year:
Gus Malzahn, Auburn
Sun Belt Offensive Player of the Year:
Antonio Andrews, Western Kentucky
Sun Belt Defensive Player of the Year:
Andrew Jackson, Western Kentucky
Sun Belt Coach of the Year:
Mark Hudspeth, Louisiana-Lafayette
Voters: Andrew Callahan, Anson Whaley, Anthony Dias, Avinash Kunnath, Ben Phillips, Brian Favat, Brian Towle, Bryan Steedman, Bryan Vance, Chris Fuhrmeister, Christopher Hondros, Collin Sherwin, Dan Lyons, Daniel Tummeley, Eric Ostby, Evan Budrovich, Graham Coffelt, Graham Filler, Hilary Lee, Ian Boyd, Jack Follman, Jamie Plunkett, Jason Kirk, Jerry Steinberg, Jimmy Kelley, John Cassillo, Jon Morse, Kerry Crowley, Lucas Jackson, Luke Zimmermann, Marshall Weber, Matthew Eliason, Paul Guttman, Pete Volk, Rodger Sherman, Thomas Beindit, Travis Miller, Zach Harig
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