SMU's Knighton on the Doak Walker Award Watch List

© Eric Canha-USA TODAY Sports

On Aug. 6, the PwC SMU Athletic Forum announced that SMU Mustangs running back Jaylan Knighton is on the Doak Walker Award Watch List.

The Doak Walker Award is handed out every season to the player deemed the best running back in college football. The award is based on several factors, including outstanding performance on the field, meaningful community contribution and classroom achievements. It is named after one of the greatest running backs ever, Doak Walker, who played running back and other positions, including placekicker, for the SMU Mustangs and Detroit Lions. He won the Heisman Trophy in 1948.

Knighton's College Career

Knighton is a graduate student from Lauderhill, Fla. He was a four-star recruit, rated by 247Sports as the No. 12 running back in the 2023 recruiting cycle. He is 5-foot-10 and weighs 185 pounds. This summer, he was named to the Dave Campbell All-Texas First Team Offense and the Athlon Sports Preseason All-ACC Fourth Team Offense.

Knighton began his career at the University of Miami, transferring to SMU last season. In his junior year with the Hurricanes, Knighton picked up 423 rushing yards, In his sophomore campaign, he racked up 561 rushing yards and 8 touchdowns.

When Knighton transferred to the Mustangs in 2023, he had the best season of his young career. He led the team in rushing yards with 745, and he also tallied 7 touchdowns. He averaged 5.5 rushing yards per carry and had 13 receptions for 89 yards and 1 touchdown.

More Watch List Information

The PwC SMU Athletic Forum recognizes 10 semifinalists for the Doak Walker Award in November, then reduces it down to three finalists later in the month. The Doak Walker Award National Selection Committee chooses the three finalists.

The committee casts another vote in December to determine the ultimate recipient of the award.

The 2024 Doak Walker Award winner will be announced live on the Home Depot College Football Awards on Dec. 12, 2024.

Knighton and the SMU Mustangs open the season on Aug. 24 against the Nevada Wolfpack, who were an abysmal 2-10 last season.

Stay tuned to College Football Dawgs as the season goes on to see if Knighton takes home the Doak Walker Award.