UCLA’s Bob Chesney, Ohio State receiver Jeremiah Smith and Oregon State receiver Jesse Legree headline the 2026 college football midseason awards, while Michigan’s last-second win over Western Michigan earned recognition as the season’s top moment.

By the Numbers
  • Chesney has UCLA at 6-0, including 4-0 in Big Ten play, after taking over a team that went 3-9.
  • Smith has 52 catches for 984 yards and 12 touchdowns.
  • Legree has 46 catches for 1,040 yards and 14 touchdowns.
  • Michigan beat Western Michigan 13-12 on Sept. 5, on a Hail Mary as time expired.
Yes, But

The honors reflect strong starts, not a final verdict: the season is only at its midpoint, and each player and team still has time to strengthen—or weaken—their case.

Bottom Line

Chesney’s rapid turnaround and the exceptional production from Smith and Legree have defined the first half of the season; Michigan’s miraculous opener remains its signature moment.