NORFOLK, Va. – Norfolk State senior quarterback Juwan Carter was named one of the 25 finalists for the Walter Payton Award, given annually by Stats Perform to the top offensive player at the Division I FCS level.

Carter recently put a period on his stellar career by leading all MEAC quarterbacks in passing yards (2,511), touchdown passes (21), completion percentage (63.8) and efficiency (150.4). He also ran for 390 yards and six more touchdowns. A four-time MEAC Offensive Player of the Week in 2021, Carter leaves NSU as the school's all-time leader with 9,271 passing yards, 10,248 total yards, 749 completions and 1,270 attempts.

Carter is the only MEAC player and one of just two from HBCUs to make the final list for the Payton Award. Alabama A&M quarterback Aqeel Glass is the other.

The Payton Award, which is celebrating its 35^th anniversary season, is named for the legendary Hall of Fame running back. Past recipients include Steve McNair, Tony Romo, Brian Westbrook, Jimmy Garoppolo, Cooper Kupp and Trey Lance. A 50-member, national media panel will select the winner, who will be announced on Jan. 7 in Frisco, Texas – the eve of the FCS championship game.