CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Kansas quarterback Jalon Daniels was named the winner of the 16th Annual Pop Warner Little Scholars College Football Award, recognizing his exceptional achievements on and off the field.
Daniels was one of five finalists for the award, including Tanner Wall (BYU), Aaron Graves (Iowa), Adam Randall (Clemson) and Josh Kattus (Kentucky). Daniels becomes the first Jayhawk in program history to win the award.
“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.”Daniels is Kansas' first four-time team captain and was Kansas' first Big 12 Football Scholar Athlete of the Year in 2024. Daniels was recently honored as a finalist for the William V. Campbell Trophy and is a semifinalist for the Jason Witten Collegiate Man of the Year Award.
Daniels has excelled on and off the field as Kansas football’s first Big 12 Scholar Athlete of the Year in 2024, five-time Academic All-Big 12 member and a 2022 CSC Academic All-American. Daniels graduated in the spring of 2025 with a 3.58 GPA in Sport Management.
Daniels has also been very involved in community, launching the "Mom2JD6" Foundation committed to supporting single mothers raising athletic children by providing financial aid, mentorship, sports training, and community resources. Daniels also contributed to Kansas football's offseason community service program, which dedicated a program record 517 hours of community service during the summer of 2025.