It’s become commonplace to see Saquon Barkley’s name on a national award watch list, but today’s news seems extra special. Saquon Barkley is undoubtedly one of the premier players in the Big Ten — a notion that was validated today with the news that Barkley was added to the Big Ten Players to Watch list for 2016.

But Barkley makes the list as the lone underclassman, an impressive feat considering his name is alongside stars like Jabrill Peppers, Desmond King, J.T. Barrett, and others. Then again, 1,076 yards and seven touchdowns as a true freshman will put you in some elite company.

The latest honor in what’s been an offseason full of them sets the stage for what could be a historic season from the second-year running back. There hasn’t been this much hype surrounding a Nittany Lion runner in quite some time; you’d have to go back to the days of Evan Royster or Ki-Jana Carter to come anywhere close.

Barkley isn’t in Chicago for Big Ten Media Days, so the next time we’ll hear from him is August 4 during Penn State’s Media Day, where he’ll be the main attraction.

Sure, Barkley has to back up the hype with his play this season, but it’s fun to dream and imagine how good he could be in 2016.