Key Highlights
- The Jerry Rice Award honors the most outstanding freshman player in FCS football annually.
- Braden Atkinson of Mercer received the 2025 award.
- Jerry Rice’s college career at Mississippi Valley State inspired the award’s name.
- The award has been given since 2011, with various positions winning over the years.
Award Overview and History
The Jerry Rice Award is a prestigious honor in FCS (Football Championship Subdivision) football. It recognizes the most outstanding freshman player each year, following the footsteps of NFL legend Jerry Rice. Named after Rice, who began his professional career at the FCS level before achieving greatness with the San Francisco 49ers and other teams, this award aims to highlight the talent and potential of college freshmen.
Selection Process and Announcements
The selection process for the Jerry Rice Award involves a national panel of over 40 sports information and media relations directors, broadcasters, writers, and dignitaries. These individuals vote based on players’ regular-season performances before the start of the FCS playoffs. The winner is announced after the conclusion of the regular season each year.
The Jerry Rice Award is one of five national awards presented by Stats Perform, alongside the Walter Payton Award (FCS offensive player of the year), Buck Buchanan Award (FCS defensive player of the year), Eddie Robinson Award (FCS coach of the year), and Doris Robinson Scholar-Athlete of the Year.
Past Recipients
Since its inception in 2011, various positions have claimed the Jerry Rice Award. Notable past recipients include:
- 2025: Braden Atkinson (Mercer), a quarterback who completed 68.1 percent of his passes for 3,448 yards and 34 touchdowns.
- 2024: CharMar Brown (North Dakota State), a running back with 965 rushing yards and 14 touchdowns.
- 2023: Eli Gillman (Montana), another running back who rushed for 857 yards and 10 touchdowns.
- 2022: Gevani McCoy (Idaho), a quarterback setting the Idaho single-season completion percentage record at 68.4 percent.
Other winners include Cooper Kupp from Eastern Washington in 2013 and Chase Edmonds from Fordham in 2014, both of whom later achieved success in the NFL.
FCS Football Context
The Jerry Rice Award is part of a broader landscape in FCS football. The FCS playoffs, structured to determine champions, involve a series of games played by top teams each year. These awards and accolades help recognize individual talent and team success within the competitive framework of FCS.
Stan Becton, who joined NCAA.com in 2021, provides insight into the world of FCS football through his coverage of various events and honors, ensuring that the recognition of outstanding freshmen continues to be a highlight of the season.
