Three Trojan Running Backs Added to the Doak Walker Award Watchlist

by Isabella Lyons

Three running backs from the University of Southern California were nominated for the Doak Walker award yesterday, which honors the most outstanding running backs in college football. The list includes Waymond Jordan, Eli Sanders, and Bryan Jackson. 

The most recent recipient of this award was Ashton Jeanty of Boise State in 2024, and USC’s most recent recipient, Reggie Bush, was awarded the Doak Walker in 2005, the same year he won the Heisman Trophy. 

Waymond Jordan is a transfer from Hutchinson Community College, where he received the JUCOWeekly award, the junior college equivalent to the Heisman Trophy, and the NJCAA Offensive Player of the Year award in 2024. At Hutchinson, Jordan led the NJCAA in rushing yards and rushing touchdowns with 1,614 yards and 20 touchdowns in 12 games, good for 134.5 yards per game. Jordan also received First Team All-American honors and the 2024 All-Kansas Jayhawk Community College Conference First Team.

Before arriving at USC, Jordan was ranked as the number one running back recruit in junior college by On3, 247Sports and ESPN. He is anticipated to see significant playing time for the 2025 season.

Eli Sanders, who started for the University of New Mexico last season, recorded 1,063 yards on 147 carries with 9 touchdowns in the 2024 season. Last season he rushed a career high of 205 yards, including a 75 yard touchdown in a loss versus the University of Wyoming. The redshirt senior is expected to make his Coliseum debut this season. 

As a true freshman, Bryan Jackson saw the field in all 13 games, rushing for 188 yards on 36 attempts with one touchdown. Jackson ended the season with 71 yards on 6 carries against Notre Dame as well as tallying 66 yards on 16 carries and one touchdown helping to defeat Texas A&M in the Las Vegas Bowl.

The winner of the Doak Walker Award will be announced on December 12 on ESPN as well as a weekly Doak Walker National Running Back award each Tuesday of the 2025 season.