UCF coach Josh Heupel named to Dodd Trophy watch list

UCF coach Josh Heupel was named to the Dodd Trophy watch list Thursday. The award is given annually to the top college football coach in the country.

Heupel is kicking off his third season with the Knights after leading the program to a 22-4 record.

The Dodd Trophy honors coaches who enjoy success on the field, but it also stresses the importance of “scholarship, leadership and integrity — the three pillars of legendary coach Bobby Dodd’s coaching philosophy.”

He is one of 13 coaches on the list and one of only two coaches from outside of the autonomous conferences to make the cut, joining fellow American Athletic Conference counterpart Luke Fickell (Cincinnati).