The Walter Payton Award is known as the FCS equivalent of the Heisman Trophy, honoring the best in college football’s lower division. Who are the all-time recipients, and who claimed the prestigious honor in 2024?

The Walter Payton Award is awarded annually to the most outstanding offensive player in the FCS. Here's what to know about the subdivision's highest honor.

North Dakota State quarterback Cam Miller was a finalist for the Walter Payton Award, which goes to the top offensive player in FCS. Montana State quarterback Tommy Mellott was the ultimate winner and was awarded the Walter Payton tonight during the FCS banquet. The two will face each other for the national championship on Monday.

Montana State quarterback Tommy Mellott won the 2024 Walter Payton Award as the best offensive player in FCS football, beating out fellow top-three finalists Cam Miller (North Dakota State) and Targhee Lambson (Southern Utah). Mellott is the first Montana State player to win the award in its 38-year history.

Montana State senior quarterback Tommy Mellott is the 2024 Walter Payton Award winner, Stats Perform announced during its FCS National Awards Banquet Saturday night. The Butte native is the first Bobcat to win the Payton Award,