Russell Named to Doak Walker Award Watch List

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – Arkansas sophomore running back Braylen Russell has been named to the Doak Walker Award Watch List, the PwC SMU Athletic Forum announced Tuesday.

Since its inception in 1990, the Doak Walker Award is presented annually to the nation’s top college running back.

Russell made an immediate impact during his freshman campaign in 2024, rushing 67 times for a total of 354 yards and three touchdowns. The Benton, Ark., product became the first freshman since Darren McFadden (Nov. 5, 2005) to rush for 175 or more yards in a single game when he accomplished the feat by rushing for 175 yards on 16 carries during the Razorbacks’ 58-25 win at Mississippi State on Oct. 26, 2024. Russell also played a considerable role in the Hogs’ 19-14 win over No. 4 Tennessee on Oct. 5, 2024, rushing eight times for a total of 62 yards. He was also just the third freshman running back to rush for multiple touchdowns during the Sam Pittman era (2020-present).

The PwC SMU Athletic Forum Board of Directors will name ten semifinalists in November, and three finalists, as voted on by the Doak Walker Award National Selection Committee, will also be announced in November. The committee will cast a second vote in December to determine the recipient. The National Selection Committee consists of past recipients, former NFL All-Pro and college All-America running backs, media members and selected special representatives.

The recipient of the 2025 Doak Walker Award will be announced live on The Home Depot College Football Awards on Dec. 12, 2025.

Arkansas opened fall camp last week. The Razorbacks kick off the 2025 season on Saturday, Aug. 30, when they welcome Alabama A&M to Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium for a 3:15 p.m. matchup on SEC Network.

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