Football

What Is the Walter Payton Award in the FCS?

Richard Janvrin Jul 09, 2025, 8:18 AM
min read
Walter Payton award recipient Old Dominion quarterback Taylor Heinicke poses for photographs with the trophy during the Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) awards Ceremony, Monday, Dec. 17, 2012, in Philadelphia. The Payton award, named for the former Chicago Bears and Jackson State star, is presented to the best offensive player among the FCS schools each season.
(AP Photo/Michael Perez)
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  • The Walter Payton Award is the FCS equivalent of the Heisman Trophy.
  • In 2024, Montana State quarterback Tommy Mellott won the award.
  • The award was introduced in 1987.

While college football odds for the FBS are available at the BetMGM online sportsbook, the FCS is still an entertaining level of college football. 

Each year, one player wins the Walter Payton Award. 

Below, I’ll dive more into what that award is. 

What Is the Walter Payton Award in the FCS?

The Walter Payton Award is given annually to the most outstanding offensive player at the FCS level. It originally allowed for all players when it debuted in 1987, but switched to offence only in 1995. 

This is different from the Walter Payton Man of the Year Award, given annually in the NFL, to honour a player’s commitment to philanthropy and giving back to the community. 

What Is the FCS Equivalent of the Heisman Trophy?

The Walter Payton Award is the FCS equivalent of the Heisman Trophy. 

Who Is Eligible for the Walter Payton Award in the FCS?

Since 1995, any offensive player at the FCS level is eligible for the Walter Payton Award. 

Who Won the FCS Walter Payton Award Last Year?

In 2024, Montana State quarterback Tommy Mellott won the Walter Payton Award. 

Complete List of FCS Walter Payton Award Winners

YearPlayerPositionSchool
2024Tommy MellottQBMontana State
2023Mark GronowskiQBSouth Dakota State
2022Lindsey Scott Jr.QBIncarnate Word
2021Eric BarriereQBEastern Washington
2020Cole KelleyQBSoutheastern Louisiana
2019Trey LanceQBNorth Dakota State
2018Devlin HodgesQBSamford
2017Jeremiah BriscoeQBSam Houston State
2016Jeremiah BriscoeQBSam Houston State
2015Cooper KuppWREastern Washington
2014John RobertsonQBVillanova
2013Jimmy GaroppoloQBEastern Illinois
2012Taylor HeinickeQBOld Dominion
2011Bo Levi MitchellQBEastern Washington
2010Jeremy MosesQBStephen F. Austin
2009Armanti EdwardsQBAppalachian State
2008Armanti EdwardsQBAppalachian State
2007Jayson FosterQBGeorgia Southern
2006Ricky SantosQBNew Hampshire
2005Erik MeyerQBEastern Washington
2004Lang CampbellQBWilliam & Mary
2003Jamaal BranchRBColgate
2002Tony RomoQBEastern Illinois
2001Brian WestbrookRBVillanova
2000Louis IvoryRBFurman
1999Adrian PetersonRBGeorgia Southern
1998Jerry AzumahRBNew Hampshire
1997Brian FinneranWRVillanova
1996Archie AmersonRBNorthern Arizona
1995Dave DickensonQBMontana
1994Steve McNairQBAlcorn State
1993Doug NussmeierQBIdaho
1992Michael PaytonQBMarshall
1991Jamie MartinQBWeber State
1990Walter DeanRBGrambling
1989John FrieszQBIdaho
1988Dave MeggettRBTowson State
1987Kenny GambleRBColgate
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