Fresno State Athletics
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Photo by: Cary Edmondson
Luke earns spot on Paul Hornung Award watch list
8/10/2026 9:15:00 AM | Football
LOUISVILLE - Fresno State senior running back Rayshon Luke is one of 39 players named to the preseason watch list for the 2026 Paul Hornung Award, recognizing college football's most versatile player.
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Luke is one of two players from the Pac-12 on the preseason list, joining Beau Sparks from Texas State.
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Luke was an honorable mention all-conference selection in 2025, his first in a Bulldog uniform. He was Fresno State's leading rusher with 112 carries for 702 yards and six touchdowns. He also added 36 receptions for 228 yards and two more touchdowns in the pass game.
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Not only did Luke lead the offense, he was Fresno State's primary kickoff returner with 16 returns for 341 yards.
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This is the first time Luke appears on the preseason list for the Paul Hornung Award, but it is not his first recognition by the organization. He was named to the Paul Hornung Award Honor Roll for his performance at Oregon State last season.
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Sixteen NCFAA members are unveiling preseason watch lists over a three-week period as the association spearheads a coordinated effort to promote each award's preseason candidates. Below is the remaining 2026 preseason watch list calendar:
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Tue., Aug. 11: Allstate Wuerffel Trophy
Wed., Aug. 12: Paycom Jim Thorpe Award
Thu., Aug. 13: Butkus Award
Fri., Aug. 14: Ray Guy Award
Mon., Aug. 17: Walter Camp Award
Tue., Aug. 18: Doak Walker Award
Wed., Aug. 19: Biletnikoff Award
Thu., Aug. 20: Davey O'Brien Award
Fri., Aug. 21: Bednarik Award
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Luke is one of two players from the Pac-12 on the preseason list, joining Beau Sparks from Texas State.
Â
Luke was an honorable mention all-conference selection in 2025, his first in a Bulldog uniform. He was Fresno State's leading rusher with 112 carries for 702 yards and six touchdowns. He also added 36 receptions for 228 yards and two more touchdowns in the pass game.
Â
Not only did Luke lead the offense, he was Fresno State's primary kickoff returner with 16 returns for 341 yards.
Â
This is the first time Luke appears on the preseason list for the Paul Hornung Award, but it is not his first recognition by the organization. He was named to the Paul Hornung Award Honor Roll for his performance at Oregon State last season.
Â
Sixteen NCFAA members are unveiling preseason watch lists over a three-week period as the association spearheads a coordinated effort to promote each award's preseason candidates. Below is the remaining 2026 preseason watch list calendar:
Â
Tue., Aug. 11: Allstate Wuerffel Trophy
Wed., Aug. 12: Paycom Jim Thorpe Award
Thu., Aug. 13: Butkus Award
Fri., Aug. 14: Ray Guy Award
Mon., Aug. 17: Walter Camp Award
Tue., Aug. 18: Doak Walker Award
Wed., Aug. 19: Biletnikoff Award
Thu., Aug. 20: Davey O'Brien Award
Fri., Aug. 21: Bednarik Award
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