LOS ANGELES—University of Southern California freshmen Trent Mosley and Luke Wafle have been named semifinalists for the Shaun Alexander Freshman of the Year Award, the Maxwell Football Club announced on November 4, 2026. The award recognizes the top freshman player in college football and is in its ninth year.
Mosley, a wide receiver and all-purpose player for the USC Trojans football team, has made a significant impact this season. Through six games, he has recorded 32 catches for 512 yards and six receiving touchdowns. Additionally, Mosley has returned punts for 212 yards, including an 86-yard touchdown return against Louisiana. After missing three games due to injury, he returned to post nine receptions for 111 yards and a touchdown against Penn State, earning Big Ten Freshman of the Week honors. In the Trojans’ win over Ohio State, Mosley had five catches for 101 yards and a touchdown, plus a 44-yard punt return that set up another score. Overall, he leads the team with 741 combined yards and seven touchdowns from receiving, rushing, and returns, averaging 123.5 yards per game with a touchdown scored in every home game at the Los Angeles Coliseum.
Defensive end Luke Wafle, the No. 1 overall prospect from the 2026 recruiting class, leads true freshmen nationally with 23 quarterback pressures. He has compiled 36 tackles, including 8.5 tackles for loss and three sacks this season. Wafle excels in run defense, making 21 stops, the most among true freshman edge defenders and defensive linemen according to Pro Football Focus. He earned Big Ten Freshman of the Week recognition for his performance against Louisiana, recording five tackles, including two tackles for loss and one sack.
The finalists for the Shaun Alexander Freshman of the Year Award will be announced on December 2, 2026, with the winner revealed on December 28. The formal award presentation will take place on March 13, 2027, at the Maxwell Football Club Awards ceremony in Atlanta, Georgia.
CSB Take
The selection of Trent Mosley and Luke Wafle as semifinalists for the Shaun Alexander Freshman of the Year Award highlights the strength of the University of Southern California’s 2026 freshman class. Mosley’s dynamic offensive contributions paired with Wafle’s disruptive defensive play have both been pivotal to the Trojans’ season. Their development will be important to USC’s success in coming years. The upcoming finalist announcement and award ceremony will further acknowledge their notable freshman impact in college football.
Source: Original report
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