Mayer also came to Champaign after four seasons at Baylor — and a national championship — with an individual goal: win the Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year. This, though, is not a new goal.
TCU quarterback Max Duggan won the Big 12 Offensive Player of the Year award last season while Kansas State defensive end Felix Anudike-Uzomah claimed the Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year title.