The spotlight has turned to Kentucky’s star quarterback, Devin Leary, who has been named to the watch list for the prestigious 87th Maxwell Award, an annual accolade recognizing the most outstanding player in college football.
The Maxwell Award, with a legacy that spans back to 1937, has honored numerous college football icons for their on-field brilliance. The award is named in memory of Robert “Tiny” Maxwell, a distinguished Swarthmore College alumnus, celebrated sportswriter, and esteemed football official.
Devin Leary, a proud native of Sicklerville, New Jersey, embarked on his journey with the Kentucky Wildcats in January, following an impressive four-season tenure with NC State. During his stint at NC State, he completed 568 of 944 passes, amassing an impressive total of 62 touchdowns. Leary’s record of 6,807 career passing yards puts him in the sixth position on NC State’s all-time list. His formidable 60.2 percent completion mark ranks fourth in the university’s history. Overall, Leary boasts a 17-9 record as a starting quarterback.
The 2022 season saw Leary take the reins of NC State, propelling the team to a 5-1 record and securing a place in the top-15 national rankings. Unfortunately, a season-ending injury put a halt to his thrilling campaign. Despite the setback, Leary’s stellar performance did not go unnoticed, earning him the title of Atlantic Coast Conference Preseason Player of the Year. He was also one of 25 semifinalists for the Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award, a tribute to his prowess on the field.
Beyond the gridiron, Leary is also making strides in academia. He graduated in December 2022, earning a degree in sport management. He is currently honing his business acumen by working towards an undergraduate certificate in business from the University of Kentucky.
The college football community now eagerly awaits the announcements for the Maxwell Award. Semifinalists will be revealed on November 13, 2023, with the top three finalists being announced two weeks later on November 28, 2023. The ultimate recipient of the 87th Maxwell Award will be announced during the ESPN Home Depot College Football Awards Show, scheduled for December 7, 2023. A formal presentation will follow at the Maxwell Football Club Awards in March 2024.
As the anticipation builds, Devin Leary’s inclusion in the watch list for the prestigious Maxwell Award speaks volumes about his skills, talent, and unwavering dedication to the sport. Regardless of the outcome, Leary has certainly etched his name in the annals of college football history.
The Wildcats begin the 2023 season begins Sept. 2 in Kroger Field against Ball State. The Wildcats’ first three games of the season will be at home (vs. EKU on Sept. 9 and vs. Akron on Sept. 16). UK’s SEC home opener will be Sept. 30 vs. Florida.
Fans interested in season-ticket purchases for the highly-anticipated 2023 season can visit UKFootballTix.com for ticket prices and more information. Ticket packages start at just $225, offering significant savings over single-game ticket prices. Additionally, single-game ticket inventory for some of the most in-demand home matchups are already extremely limited, so fans hoping to guarantee a primary ticket spot for those games are encouraged to consider season-ticket options.
Fans may work together with a personal ticketing consultant to compare and purchase available seat locations by requesting a call or by contacting the UK Sales Office at (800) 928-2287 (Option 1).
UK Athletics and REVELxp have teamed up once again this year to offer turnkey, hassle-free tailgating for Kentucky football fans! All tailgates are located steps away from Kroger Field and offer a variety of package offerings to accommodate all groups. To learn more about tailgate packages, click here.
Mini-packs for the 2023 season are now available through UKFootballTix.com. Fans can choose one SEC matchup (Florida or Missouri) and two non-conference games (Ball State, EKU and Akron), with mini-packs starting at $104 per package.
Students interested in ticket options should visit UKStudentTix.com for complete information on football and men’s basketball ticketing and to learn more about student season passes and single-game options. The season pass request window began Monday, July 24.
Group tickets are also available for UK’s games against Ball State, EKU, Akron, Florida and Missouri. Groups of 15 or more can purchase tickets, starting at $25 each, beginning July 14 by calling the UK Sales Office at (800) 928-2287 (Option 1). To learn more about group sales opportunities, visit UKathletics.com/Groups.
UK is coming off a school record seventh straight bowl appearance, as the Cats finished the 2022 season with a 7-6 record. The Cats are 54-35 over the last seven seasons, including a 35-14 mark at Kroger Field.
