Football Canada has unveiled its 12-player watchlist for the 2024 Cornish Trophy, highlighted by the reigning winner Elic Ayomanor.
The six-foot-two, 210-pound receiver from Medicine Hat, Alta. made 62 catches for 1,013 yards and six touchdowns with the Stanford Cardinal last season, ranking fifth in all of the Pac-12. His best performance came against Colorado when he made 13 catches for a record-setting 294 yards and three touchdowns. He enters his sophomore season expected to be one of the top receivers in the ACC.
The Cornish Trophy, presented by Krown Produce, is awarded annually to the top Canadian player in NCAA football. In the seven-year history of the award, there have been two back-to-back winners: Ohio quarterback Nathan Rourke (2017, 2018) and Alabama receiver John Metchie III (2020, 2021). Other winners include Oklahoma State running back Chuba Hubbard (2019) and Illinois running back Chase Brown (2022).
The remaining 11 players on the watchlist can be found below.
DL Akheem Mesidor, JR, University of Miami (Ottawa, Ont.) — Mesidor made a significant impact with 7 sacks in his first season at Miami, establishing himself as one of the top defensive players in the ACC. He is looking to bounce back after an injury-plagued 2023.
QB Kurtis Rourke, SR, Indiana University (Oakville, Ont.) — After transferring from Ohio University, where he was the MAC Offensive Player of the Year in 2022, Rourke is expected to lead Indiana in the Big Ten Conference.
DE Isaiah Bagnah, SR, Brigham Young University (Lethbridge, Alta.) — Bagnah is known for his relentless pass-rushing abilities and looks to be a disruptive force as off-season training will make him a more versatile in the Big 12 Conference.
WR Damien Alford, SR, University of Utah (Montreal, Que.) — The transfer from Syracuse, Alford brings a dynamic presence to Utah’s offense, with his size and ability to make contested catches.
WR Nolan Ulm, SR, Eastern Washington University (Kelowna, B.C.) — Ulm has been a consistent contributor to Eastern Washington’s high-powered offence and is poised for a strong final season.
WR Keelan White, SR, University of Montana (North Vancouver, B.C.) — White delivered some of his best performances in 2023 in the Griz’ run to a national final appearance, and is expected to be a prime target for Montana.
DB Ty Benefield, SO, Boise State University (Vancouver, B.C.) — Benefield has made a name for himself as a true freshman with his strong tackling and quick reactions, showing great potential in Boise State’s secondary.
DE Nuer Gatkuoth, JR, Colorado State (Edmonton, Alta.) — Gatkuoth is expected to continue his upward trajectory, emerging as one of the top defensive players in the Mountain West Conference.
DB Jett Elad, SR, University of Nevada-Las Vegas (Mississauga, Ont.) — Elad is a key figure in UNLV’s defence and is recognized for his versatility and playmaking ability.
DL Rene Konga, SR, University of Louisville (Montreal, Que.) — Konga brings experience and playmaking ability to the Cardinals’ defence, after a solid stint at Rutgers.
WR Malick Meiga, JR, University of South Carolina (Saint Jerome, Que.) — The transfer from Penn State, Meiga is expected to be a key addition to the Gamecocks’ receiving corps with his deep-threat capability.
