The 2021 Disney Spirit Award nomination window has closed.

With so many nominees worthy of recognition, our team is now faced with making the incredibly difficult decision of selecting just one award recipient.

Disney Sports will be announcing the winner later this month.

Since 1996, the Disney Spirit Award has been presented annually to college football’s most inspirational student-athlete, team, coach, fan or figure who has overcome extraordinary physical or emotional hardships or other challenges, while exhibiting a selfless nature and good sportsmanship. The award will be presented for the 26th consecutive year during The Home Depot College Football Awards.

Last year, the award went to Clemson University running back Darien Rencher for his inspiring leadership amid college football’s push to overcome social injustice and the coronavirus pandemic.

In 2019, University of Minnesota football player and five-time cancer survivor Casey O’Brien, earned the award for his relentless pursuit of his athletic dreams and uplifting hope he gave to countless other cancer patients.

Nominations for the 2021 Disney Spirit Award were submitted via e-mail to Courtney.Jasmin@disney.com.