5th Annual Steve Spurrier First-Year & Legend Coach and Freshman Player of the Year Awards Presented by Chris Doering Mortgage
Honoring Excellence in College Football
Overview
Award Categories
Steve Spurrier First-Year Coach of the Year
Awarded to the best first-year coach in FBS football who has shown exceptional leadership and results in their debut season with their current team. The award was named for Spurrier starting in 2021. Spurrier who made immediate improvement as head coach at Duke, Florida and South Carolina, won the award in 2005.
Congratulations to the 2025 winner, Dan Mullen, UNLV (Record: 10-4, Mountain West Conference 6-2), sponsored by Man Cave Health.
PAST WINNERS
2024: Fran Brown, Syracuse
2023: Jamey Chadwell, Liberty
2022: Sonny Dykes, TCU
2021: Shane Beamer South Carolina and Josh Heupel, Tennessee
Steve Spurrier Legend Coach of the Year
Honoring a legendary coach with a profound impact on college football through their career. Past winners include Bob Stoops (2022) and Mark Richt (2023).
Congratulations to the 2025 winner, Phillip Fulmer (All time Record 152-52, 1-time National Champion, 2-time SEC Champion,6-10 SEC East Division Champion, College Football Hall of Fame Inductee) sponsored by Prostate Cancer Foundation.
FWAA Freshman Players of the Year
Recognizing standout performances from freshman players who have made an impressive impact in their debut season.
Congratulations to the 2025 Winners: Malachi Toney, Miami (WR); Ellis Robinson IV, Georgia (DB); Quentin Gibson, Colorado (RS)
Past Winners
2021: Brock Bowers, Georgia (TE)
2022: Drake Maye, North Carolina (QB)
2023: Noah Fifita, Arizona (QB); Dillon Thieneman, Purdue (S)
2024: LaNorris Sellers, South Carolina (QB); Leonard Moore, Notre Dame (DB); Nolan Hauser, Clemson (K)
Event Highlights
- Awards Ceremony: Celebrate the winners of the Steve Spurrier Awards, honoring excellence on the field and dedication to the sport.
- Special Guests & Keynote: Hear from college football icons and inspiring speakers.
- Exclusive Dinner Reception: Network with industry leaders, athletes, coaches, and football fans from around the nation.
- VIP Experience: All event sponsors are eligible to participate in a private golf outing event, the morning of February 24, 2025 ahead of the awards ceremony that evening at the world class Adena Golf Club in Ocala, FL.
Event Details
- Date & Time: February 23, 2026 – 4:30PM-10PM
- Location: Spurrier’s Gridiron Grille, Celebration Pointe, Gainesville, FL
- Attire: Business Formal
Tickets & Sponsorship Opportunities
Support the next generation of college football greats! Explore our sponsorship packages for brand visibility and engagement opportunities at this high-profile event. Contact us for more details, email tricia@Jagagency.com.
Presented by Chris Doering Mortgage
We’re proud to partner with Chris Doering Mortgage to make this event possible, bringing together college football’s finest to honor those who inspire us all.
4th Annual Event Highlight Reel
3rd Annual Event Highlight Reel
2nd Annual Event Highlight Reel
Join us in Gainesville on February 23, 2026, as we honor college football’s top talent and celebrate the legacy of Steve Spurrier. Don’t miss this evening of inspiration, excellence, and unforgettable moments!
Media Links
FWAA names UNLV Coach Dan Mullen 2025 Steve Spurrier First-Year Coach
FWAA unveils 2025 National Freshman Players of the Year
Steve Spurrier 2024 First-Year Coach and Freshman Players of the Year Announced
Steve Spurrier 2024 Legend Coach of the Year Announced
2024 First-Year Coach of the Year Award Finalists Press Release
2024 Freshman Players of the Year Finalists Press Release
Syracuse Coach Fran Brown earns Steve Spurrier First-Year Coach Award
FWAA unveils 2024 National Freshman Players of the Year
Thank You Sponsors
Our deepest gratitude for the generous support of our past and current sponsors who have made it possible for us to host this extraordinary event right here in Gainesville, FL. We look forward to seeing you on February 23, 2026, at Spurrier’s Gridiron Grill in Celebration Pointe, as we honor college football’s top talent and celebrate the legacy of Coach Steve Spurrier. Your commitment to honoring the achievements of coaches and players helps us continue to elevate and recognize their incredible contributions to the sport.