Penn State’s revamped backfield continues to receive national attention.
Senior Carson Hansen and junior James Peoples were both named Tuesday to the 2026 Doak Walker Award Watch List, an honor presented annually by the PwC SMU Athletic Forum to the nation’s top running back.
The recognition reflects the expectations surrounding Penn State’s rushing attack entering the first season under head coach Matt Campbell. Hansen and Peoples arrived in Happy Valley after productive careers at Iowa State and Ohio State, respectively, and are expected to form one of the Big Ten’s most intriguing running back tandems.
Hansen enters the season as the more accomplished of the two. The former Iowa State standout rushed for 952 yards and six touchdowns in 2025 while finishing the season with five consecutive 100-yard performances. Over 38 career games, including 17 starts, Hansen has totaled 1,771 rushing yards and 19 touchdowns while adding 43 receptions for 337 yards and two receiving scores. He has also recorded seven career multi-touchdown rushing games and six 100-yard outings.
Add Nittany Sports Now as a preferred source in Google! Click here to add us.Peoples brings explosive potential after two seasons at Ohio State. The San Antonio native has rushed for 541 career yards and five touchdowns while averaging 4.9 yards per carry. Last season, he totaled 344 rushing yards and three touchdowns on just 61 carries, flashing big-play ability with strong performances against Grambling, Minnesota, UCLA and Rutgers. He also contributed in the passing game with 10 receptions and added value on special teams.
The Doak Walker Award will narrow its field to 10 semifinalists in November before announcing three finalists later that month. The winner will be revealed during ESPN’s Home Depot College Football Awards Show on Dec. 11.
No. 17 (Coaches) / No. 18 (AP) Penn State will open the Matt Campbell era on September 5 against Marshall at 3:30 PM (Eastern) from Beaver Stadium.
