Minnesota’s Mohamed Ibrahim has had an impressive start to the season, the running back making a statement to be among the top playmakers in the Big Ten. As such, this strong start is now leading to some much-deserved national recognition.

On Wednesday, Ibrahim was included as another name added to the watch list for the Maxwell Award. The honor is given out to the nation’s top college football player.

Through four games, Ibrahim already has 715 yards rushing and 10 rushing touchdowns. He is on pace to eclipse his strong 2017 season when, as a true freshman, he had 1,160 rushing yards. Last season, his effectiveness was limited due to injury.

He is undoubtedly the best offensive player for the 1-3 Golden Gophers.

The Maxwell Award is given out by the Maxwell Football Club to the nation’s top player at an award ceremony at the Tropicana in Atlantic City, N.J. The club also hands out the Chuck Bednarik Award, which honors the nation’s top defensive player.

Last season, LSU quarterback Joe Burrow, a transfer from Ohio State, won the Maxwell Award. Ohio State defensive end Chase Young, won the Bednarik Award.

Burrow and Young were the top two picks in last April’s NFL Draft.

A Big Ten player hasn’t won the prestigious Maxwell Award since Penn State running back Larry Johnson in 2002. A running back hasn’t been the recipient since Alabama’s Dexter Henry in 2015. The last four recipients of the award have all been quarterbacks.