The PwC SMU Athletic Forum has announced its preseason watch list for the Doak Walker Award, recognizing the nation’s most outstanding running back. Kansas juniors Dylan Edwards and Yasin Willis join a field of 62 candidates, making the Jayhawks one of only six programs with multiple representatives on the list.
Edwards, a redshirt junior from Derby, Kansas, brings a solid career résumé that includes 1,072 rushing yards and eight touchdowns across 28 collegiate appearances. In his most recent season at Kansas State, he logged 205 yards and two scores in four games, underscoring his ability to contribute in key moments.
Willis, a junior from Newark, New Jersey, has accumulated 688 yards and five touchdowns in 20 career games. His 2025 stint at Syracuse saw him rush for 558 yards and four touchdowns over nine contests, highlighting a steady progression that has caught the attention of award voters.
Selection Timeline and Future Outlook
The award’s selection timeline is tightly scheduled. The PwC SMU Athletic Forum Board of Directors will narrow the field to ten semifinalists in November, after which the Doak Walker Award National Selection Committee will announce three finalists later that month. The ultimate winner will be revealed on December 10, 2026, during The Home Depot College Football Awards.
Established in honor of SMU’s three‑time All‑America running back Doak Walker, the trophy has become a benchmark for excellence at the position. Past recipients have gone on to distinguished NFL careers, and the award continues to spotlight emerging talent who may shape the next generation of professional backs.