SPARTANBURG, S.C. – Stats Perform has announced a standout list of 30 finalists for the 2025 Buck Buchanan Award, which is presented to the national defensive player of the year in Division I FCS college football. Wofford defensive back Maximus Pulley is one of the 30 players named a finalist.
 
Pulley, a fifth-year senior from Fort Worth, Texas, started eleven games for the Terriers this season and is second on the team in tackles with 85. His five interceptions lead the Southern Conference and are the second-most in the nation. He returned two interceptions for touchdowns, which is tied for the most in the nation. Pulley added 2.5 tackles for loss, five pass break-ups, one forced fumble, a fumble recovery, and a blocked punt.
 
Pulley joins Furman defensive lineman Joshua Stoneking and Mercer defensive lineman Andrew Zock as the only three finalists from the Southern Conference. Pulley is the fourth Terrier to be named a finalist, joining Matt Nelson (2003), Lee Basinger (2004), and Ameet Pall (2010).
 
The award, in its 31st season, is named for legendary defensive lineman Junious "Buck" Buchanan, who starred at Grambling State as part of his Hall of Fame career. Past Buchanan recipients include Dexter Coakley, Rashean Mathis and Jared Allen. Central Arkansas' David Walker was last season's winner.
 
All 13 FCS conferences are represented by a finalist. The winner, to be selected by a national voting panel, will be announced at the Stats Perform FCS National Awards Show on Jan. 3 in Nashville, Tennessee. Also this season, the Walter Payton Award (FCS Offensive Player of the Year), Jerry Rice Award (FCS Freshman Player of the Year), Eddie Robinson Award (FCS Coach of the Year), HBCU National Player of the Year and Doris Robinson Scholar-Athlete of the Year will be presented at the Stats Perform FCS National Awards Show.