Shanks Named to 2025 Paul Hornung Award Watch List

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – Arkansas wide receiver and return specialist Kam Shanks has been named to the watch list for the 2025 Paul Hornung Award presented by Texas Roadhouse, the Louisville Sports Commission announced Thursday.

The Paul Hornung Award, now in its 16th season, is given annually to the most versatile player in major college football by the Louisville Sports Commission and football legend and Louisville native Paul Hornung.

Shanks arrives in Fayetteville after spending his first two seasons at UAB. As a redshirt freshman in 2024, the Prattville, Ala., native was the most electrifying punt returner in the nation. Shanks led all FBS players in punt return yards (329), punt return average (20.6), and punt return touchdowns (2) while being named a finalist for the Jet Award, which honors the most outstanding return specialist in college football. In addition to serving as a return man, Shanks turned in two 100-yard receiving games, including a nine-catch, 119-yard receiving performance at Army (Oct. 12) and a career-high 153 receiving yards and three touchdowns against Tulsa (Nov. 2).

The Paul Hornung Award selection committee, comprised of 18 sports journalists and football experts from across the country, will pick from among five award finalists who will be announced on Nov. 6 before the winner of the award is announced on Dec. 11.

Arkansas reports for fall camp today with the first workout set for Friday morning. 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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