College Station, TX, August 6, 2025
News Summary
Le’Veon Moss and Rueben Owens II from Texas A&M have been named candidates for the Doak Walker Award, recognizing their outstanding performance as college running backs. Moss, a senior, excelled last season with an impressive average of 6.3 yards per carry and 10 touchdowns despite a late-season injury. Owens, in his second year, made significant contributions after recovering from a foot injury, solidifying his status with notable performances. The award honors the top college running back and will announce finalists soon.
College Station, Texas – Texas A&M football players Le’Veon Moss and Rueben Owens II have been recognized as candidates for the prestigious Doak Walker Award, as announced by the PwC SMU Athletic Forum. The award is presented annually to the nation’s top college running back, highlighting exceptional talent in the sport.
Le’Veon Moss, entering his senior season, had a standout performance in the 2024 season, earning inclusion in the 2024 All-SEC Second Team. Moss ranked second in the SEC, averaging 6.3 yards per carry, and he was third in rushing yards, recording an impressive average of 85.0 yards per game among players with at least 100 rushes. Over nine games, he rushed for 765 yards and scored 10 touchdowns on 121 carries. Notably, Moss only lost three yards throughout the entire season, which is the fewest in the SEC and second-fewest nationwide among players with the same number of carries. Unfortunately, he suffered a season-ending injury that impacted his final games.
Moss’s talents have also been recognized this summer as he was named on the 2025 Maxwell Award Watch List, further solidifying his status in college football.
Rueben Owens II, a redshirt sophomore, is also a strong contender. He received accolades as a member of the 2023 SEC All-Freshman Team. Owens faced a setback due to a foot injury during the first scrimmage of the 2024 fall camp but returned to the field in week 14. He showcased his abilities by leading the Aggies with 13 carries for 56 yards in the Las Vegas Bowl against USC. In his rookie season, Owens excelled among true freshmen in the SEC with 743 all-purpose yards, including 385 rushing yards and 249 kick return yards. Owens played a significant role in his second season, appearing in all 13 games, making five starts, and registering at least one rush in each contest along with a catch in eight games.
The Doak Walker Award is named in honor of Doak Walker, a three-time All-America running back at SMU. The process to select the award recipient involves several stages. In November, ten semifinalists will be announced, followed by the selection of three finalists by the Doak Walker Award National Selection Committee. The committee, which includes past award recipients and distinguished members from the football community, will ultimately select the award winner. The recipient of the 2025 Doak Walker Award will be revealed during The Home Depot College Football Awards Show on December 12.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Doak Walker Award?
The Doak Walker Award honors the nation’s top college running back, recognizing outstanding performance on the field.
Who are the nominees from Texas A&M?
Le’Veon Moss and Rueben Owens II have both been named to the Doak Walker Award Preseason Watch List.
When will the award winner be announced?
The recipient of the 2025 Doak Walker Award will be announced on December 12 during The Home Depot College Football Awards Show.
Key Player Statistics
| Player | Year | Rushing Yards | Average Yards per Carry | Touchdowns | Games Played |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Le’Veon Moss | Senior | 765 | 6.3 | 10 | 9 |
| Rueben Owens II | Redshirt Sophomore | 385 | Not specified | Not specified | All 13 games |
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HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- 12th Man
- Wikipedia: Doak Walker Award
- KHOU
- Google Search: Doak Walker Award
- Sports Illustrated
- Google Scholar: Doak Walker Award
- Houston Chronicle
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Doak Walker Award
- Aggies Wire
- Google News: Doak Walker Award
Author: STAFF HERE COLLEGE WRITER
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