Aug 34 min read

Paul Hornung Award: 5 Outstanding Players to Watch

Updated: Aug 3

The Paul Hornung Award is presented annually to the most versatile player in college football, specifically in the Football Bowl Subdivision. Hornung is still regarded as one of the more versatile players in football.

He won the Heisman Trophy in 1956 as Notre Dame's quarterback. Horning also played as a kick returner, punter, and defensive back. He was the No. 1 overall pick in the 1957 NFL Draft by the Green Bay Packers. While with the Packers, he played at quarterback, halfback, fullback and kicker.

The Paul Hornung Award is in its 15th season. For the honor, the 2024 Watch List consists of 48 players representing 9 conferences. Loaded with talented players, this list is a "Who's Who" of dynamic playmakers. The Big 12 Conference leads the way with 11 players selected, followed by the Atlantic Coast Conference and Big 10 Conference with 8 players each. These selected players combine for more than 45,000 yards and almost 200 total touchdowns. Travis Hunter, who won the Hornung last season, finds his name again on the Watch List.

Paul Hornung Award Favorites

In looking at the list of players that are being considered for the Paul Hornung Award, they come from conferences all across the United States.

Zachariah Branch, USC, Wide Reciever

Zachariah Branch is a dynamic all-purpose weapon for head coach Lincoln Riley's Trojans. Branch is a solid route runner who, despite his size, measures under 6 feet. He shows a willingness to run through traffic and make receptions. Branch has a quick first step from the line of scrimmage and the agility to sell routes. Branch hits another gear after making a catch. It allows him to run away from defenders. In the open field, Branch has the agility to make defenders miss. While a kick returner, Branch had kickoff and punt returns for touchdowns.

Jaydn Ott, Cal, Running Back

Jaydn Ott has the ability to explode downfield as a runner. Ott, the Golden Bears' top running back, can run through any opening. He keeps his feet moving after contact and hits new gears when separating from defenders. Ott maintains balance through contact. He also can be a legitimate option as a receiver. In addition, Ott contributes as a kick returner. As the team begins play in a new conference, Ott is certainly set to build off his 1,645 all-purpose yard performance from a season ago.

Travis Hunter, Colorado, Wide Receiver/Defensive Back

Travis Hunter, who won the Hornung Award last year, played both offense and defense. Hunter shows he's willing to play receiver and defensive back at a Power 4 conference school. He has game-changing abilities on offense and defense while also showing solid football instincts.

On defense, Hunter is a fluid mover with a quick change of direction and can close quickly. Hunter has great ball-tracking skills to either make receptions or cause pass breakups. He played under head coach Deion Sanders at Jackson State in 2022. Hunter followed Sanders to Colorado and had his most productive season. He totaled 721 yards and 5 touchdowns as a receiver. Hunter added 31 total tackles, 3 interceptions and 5 pass breakups while playing in the secondary. Year 2 for Hunter and the Buffaloes sees them return to the Big 12 Conference after 13 seasons in the Pac-12 Conference. Hunter's versatility will be essential for Sanders and his staff as they look to compete and win.

Caullin Lacy, Louisville, Wide Receiver

Caullin Lacy is a newcomer to the Cardinals' offense. Lacy spent the previous 4 seasons with the South Alabama Jaguars. While at South Alabama, Lacy was an all-purpose weapon. Lacy played as a receiver, running back and kickoff and punt returner. He also compares favorably when looking at Hornung's days at Notre Dame. As a receiver, Lacy made a statement last season with 1,316 yards and 7 touchdowns, both career highs. He's a fluid mover as a receiver with the ability to track and locate balls on vertical routes. His burst off the line, along with his speed and agility, makes him a nightmare for opposing cornerbacks. Lacy is a solid route runner who can separate from defenders after the catch. He averaged 14.5 yards per reception in 2023.

Luther Burden III, Missouri, Wide Receiver

Luther Burden III is a dynamic playmaker and yards-after-catch monster for the Missouri Tigers. Burden has an explosive first step at the line of scrimmage. As a receiver and running back last season, Burden tallied 1,243 yards and 9 touchdowns. He also returned punts, too. After a breakout 2023 season with 1,212 total yards, Burden is primed for a heavier workload. Missouri looks to build off last season and its bowl victory over Ohio State. Burden is a solid route runner who's also a deep threat. He's also a relentless blocker. Burden is a reliable pass catcher in and out of traffic. The Tigers' offense will need Burden as a weapon for the Tigers' offense. Let's see how head coach Eli Drinkwitz uses Burden in Southeastern Conference play.

Sleeper: Ishmail Mahdi, Texas State, Running Back

Ishmail Mahdi, who played in 2022 at Houston Christian, moved on to the Texas State Bobcats. He made a name for himself after 1 season. Last season, Mahdi ran away with 1,331 yards and 10 touchdowns. Mahdi added 275 yards as a receiver and had 563 return yards with a touchdown. He's a versatile runner with great hands. Mahdi is a shifty runner who can run between the tackles. He can quickly lower his shoulder and blow away would-be tacklers. Mahdi has good speed to find the edge and turn upfield.

Who Will Win?

This season will determine the finalists and who will win. As fans, we'll see great players. Could Hunter be a repeat winner? Lacy and Branch probably will have bigger impacts on their teams. But Lacy gets a slight edge.