ATLANTA (AP) — Lamar Jackson may have picked up another trophy for his marvelous season -- but so did Deshaun Watson.
And both players got a glimpse of the one they really want.
On a red-carpet night in Atlanta, Clemson's Watson was named the Davey O'Brien winner as the nation's top quarterback, while Jackson captured the Maxwell Award as the nation's top college player Thursday night. Jackson's victories signaled him as the favorite for the big one on Saturday: the Heisman Trophy.
Jackson already won the Walter Camp Award, also given to the best player, while Watson's O'Brien award was his second straight.
"I'm shocked. I've got butterflies. I never had those before," the sophomore said, posing with his Maxwell Award after a ceremony at the College Football Hall of Fame, where eight other award winners were announced.
Now it's on to New York, where they're both finalists for college football's most prestigious individual award.
"He's a tremendous player himself. He's done lot of great things," Jackson said of Watson. "If he does (win the Heisman), oh well. Best man."
Both quarterbacks got a look at a 25-pound Heisman Trophy on display in the Hall of Fame.
Jackson was impressed by the size.
"It's a big trophy," he said. "I'm going to need to do some more push-ups."
Maybe not.
Watson hasn't given up on his dream of claiming the Heisman before he heads off to the NFL. He won't return for his senior season, having already earned his college degree in just three years.
"I have a lot of confidence in the way I've played over the course of the season," said Watson, who finished third in the Heisman race a year ago behind winner Derrick Henry of Alabama and runner-up Christian McCaffrey of Stanford.
While the Maxwell voting is a solid indication of how the Heisman race might go, it's no guarantee. In fact, only two of the last five winners — Henry and Marcus Mariota in 2014 — went on to capture the more illustrious award.
Watson is holding out hope that he'll pull out a come-from-behind victory over Jackson, who had been considered the overwhelming favorite until the Cardinals lost their last two games.
Even with that, Jackson's numbers are mind-boggling. He passed for 3,390 yards and 30 touchdowns, and rushed for 1,538 yards and 21 TDs.
Watson guided Clemson to another Atlantic Coast Conference championship and a second straight appearance in the College Football Playoff. The Tigers will meet Ohio State in the Fiesta Bowl semifinal on New Year's Eve.
As for his Heisman chances, Watson said confidently, "I'm expecting to win. I always expect to have success."
He's already a huge success — on and off the field. The Gainesville High graduate took his last final exam Wednesday in a political communication class.
"Next Thursday at this time, I will have a degree in hand and be a graduate," he said. "It feels great."
Winners of the 2016 college football awards, presented Thursday:
Walter Camp National Player of the Year — Lamar Jackson, QB, Louisville
Maxwell Award (best all-around player) — Lamar Jackson, QB, Louisville
Davey O'Brien National Quarterback Award — Deshaun Watson, Clemson
Doak Walker Award (outstanding running back) — D'Onte Foreman, Texas
Fred Biletnikoff Award (outstanding receiver) — Dede Westbrook, Oklahoma
Chuck Bedarnik Trophy (best defensive player) — Jonathan Allen, DE, Alabama
Outland Trophy (outstanding collegiate interior lineman) — Cam Robinson, OL, Alabama
Jim Thorpe Award (best defensive back) — Adoree' Jackson, Southern California
Lou Groza Award (outstanding place-kicker) — Zane Gonzalez, Arizona State
Ray Guy Award (best punter) — Mitch Wishnowsky, Utah
Sports Spirit Award — James Conner, Pittsburgh
Coach of the Year — Mike MacIntyre, Colorado
NCFAA Contribution to College Football Award — Steve Spurrier
