Oklahoma State University Athletics
Hawkins named a Doak Walker Award preseason candidate
August 18, 2026 | Cowboy Football
STILLWATER – Oklahoma State running back Caleb Hawkins is a preseason candidate for the 2026 Doak Walker Award, announced Tuesday by the PwC SMU Athletic Forum.
He is one of 62 players from across the FBS included on the list for the honor, which is presented annually to the nation's most outstanding college running back.
Hawkins, who transferred to Oklahoma State from North Texas following the 2025 season, lit up the stat sheet last year and are expected to make a big contribution to the Cowboys in 2026.
Already named to the Walter Camp Player of the Year and Maxwell Award watch lists, as well as to the 2026 Walter Camp Preseason All-America team, Hawkins finished the 2025 season as a Walter Camp, Sporting News and Phil Steele All-America selection after setting the NCAA record for most touchdowns scored by a freshman. His 29 total touchdowns and 25 rushing touchdowns also ranked No. 1 in the FBS for the season, as did his 174 points scored and 13.4 points per game. Other accolades included being named the American Conference Rookie of the Year and a semifinalist for the Doak Walker Award.
The PwC SMU Athletic Forum Board of Directors will name 10 semifinalists for the Doak Walker Award in November, and three finalists will be announced later that month. 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 2026 Doak Walker Award will be announced live on The Home Depot College Football Awards on December 10, 2026. The award is named for SMU's three-time All-America running back Doak Walker. Each Tuesday of this season, The PwC SMU Athletic Forum will once again announce a Doak Walker National Running Back of the week.
He is one of 62 players from across the FBS included on the list for the honor, which is presented annually to the nation's most outstanding college running back.
Hawkins, who transferred to Oklahoma State from North Texas following the 2025 season, lit up the stat sheet last year and are expected to make a big contribution to the Cowboys in 2026.
Already named to the Walter Camp Player of the Year and Maxwell Award watch lists, as well as to the 2026 Walter Camp Preseason All-America team, Hawkins finished the 2025 season as a Walter Camp, Sporting News and Phil Steele All-America selection after setting the NCAA record for most touchdowns scored by a freshman. His 29 total touchdowns and 25 rushing touchdowns also ranked No. 1 in the FBS for the season, as did his 174 points scored and 13.4 points per game. Other accolades included being named the American Conference Rookie of the Year and a semifinalist for the Doak Walker Award.
The PwC SMU Athletic Forum Board of Directors will name 10 semifinalists for the Doak Walker Award in November, and three finalists will be announced later that month. 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 2026 Doak Walker Award will be announced live on The Home Depot College Football Awards on December 10, 2026. The award is named for SMU's three-time All-America running back Doak Walker. Each Tuesday of this season, The PwC SMU Athletic Forum will once again announce a Doak Walker National Running Back of the week.
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