University of Kansas quarterback Jalon Daniels has been named the winner of the 16th Annual Pop Warner Little Scholars College Football Award, recognizing his exceptional achievements on and off the field.
A four-time Jayhawks team captain and redshirt senior, Daniels is one of the most decorated players in Kansas history. He delivered another standout 2025 season, highlighted by his recognition as a finalist for the William V. Campbell Trophy and semifinalist for the Jason Witten Collegiate Man of the Year Award, along with placements on the Manning Award Midseason Watch List and multiple national award lists.
Daniels is a previous Big 12 Co-Scholar Athlete of the Year and Academic All-America honoree who continues to excel academically while pursuing his degree in sports management. A dynamic leader on the field, he has helped guide Kansas to one of its most competitive stretches in recent program history. This season, he had 26 touchdowns throwing and rushing for the Jayhawks, and picked up nearly 3,000 all-purpose yards.
“I’m truly blessed and honored to receive the Pop Warner College Football Award,” Kansas quarterback Jalon Daniels said. “I want to thank Pop Warner Little Scholars for this tremendous recognition. I strive every day to be the best version of myself and to make a meaningful impact on the communities that shaped me. Growing up in youth football, the lessons and experiences I gained helped grow my love for the game, and I hope to continue positively influencing players for generations to come.”
“Jalon represents everything this award stands for,” said Pop Warner Little Scholars CEO Steve Strawbridge. “He’s a gifted athlete, an accomplished student and a compassionate leader in his community. Young athletes across the country can look to him as an example of how to pursue excellence with character, integrity and commitment. We’re proud to honor him with this year’s award.”
In the community, Daniels serves on Kansas’ leadership council, contributed to the program’s record 500 community-service hours in 2025, represented the Jayhawks at Big 12 Media Days for the fourth straight year and oversees the Moms 2 J6 Foundation, which he started to support single mothers and young athletes. Inspired by the hard work and sacrifice of his own mother, the organization recognizes the sacrifices made by single parents, especially in underserved communities, and provides the tools needed for families to thrive.
Other finalists for the award this year were Tanner Wall, BYU Safety; Aaron Graves, University of Iowa DL; Adam Randall, Clemson University RB; and Josh Kattus, University of Kentucky TE.
The Pop Warner Little Scholars National College Football Award is presented as part of the 68th Pop Warner Super Bowl in Charlotte. Previous recipients have included, Prince Amukamara (Nebraska), Chase Minnifield (Virginia), Sean Renfree (Duke), Gary Bush (Purdue), Jordan Richards (Stanford), Brandon Chubb (Wake Forest), Evan Engram (Mississippi), Braxton Berrios (Miami), CJ Conrad (Kentucky), Michael Pittman, Jr. (USC), Ian Book (University of Notre Dame), Elijah Hicks (University of California), Kenneth Horsey (Kentucky), Tony Bradford Jr. (Texas Tech), and Jalen Milroe (Alabama).