Paul Hornung Award Watch List (2026)

The following post features the Paul Hornung Award Watch List (2026).

Some college football players can impact the game in multiple ways. These versatile athletes are worth knowing about when betting on college football.

Read: Best Wide Receivers in College Football

Related: John Mackey Award Watch List

The Paul Hornung Award Watch List features the most versatile players in college football heading into the 2026 NCAAF season.

So, who are the most versatile college football players in 2026? Here’s what you need to know.

Paul Hornung Award Watch List (2026)

Below is a table displaying the placekickers on the 2026 Paul Hornung Award Watch List. Click here for the official Paul Hornung Award Watch List.

Preseason Player Spotlights

J’Koby Williams – Texas Tech Red Raiders

J’Koby Williams enters 2026 as one of the most complete skill players in the Big 12 after a strong sophomore campaign that featured nearly 900 rushing yards, over 350 receiving yards, and big-play ability on kick returns (including a long touchdown). His ability to contribute as a runner, receiver out of the backfield, and return specialist makes him a classic Hornung-style candidate who can impact the game in multiple phases every week.

Ryan Niblett – Texas Longhorns

Ryan Niblett established himself as one of the nation’s premier return specialists in 2025, earning All-American recognition and finishing as a Jet Award finalist with elite punt-return averages and multiple scores. He also contributes as a wide receiver and occasional runner, giving Texas a dynamic all-purpose weapon whose expanded offensive role in 2026 could push him into serious national award contention.

Martel Hight – Vanderbilt Commodores

Martel Hight is a true multi-dimensional player who has lined up at cornerback, contributed as a wide receiver, and handled return duties for Vanderbilt. His ability to impact both sides of the ball while providing explosive plays in the return game embodies the versatility the Hornung Award prioritizes, and another year of two-way usage could make him one of the most unique candidates in the country.

Jadan Baugh – Florida Gators

Jadan Baugh delivered a breakout 2025 season with over 1,100 rushing yards and double-digit total touchdowns while also contributing as a receiver. As Florida’s lead back with proven receiving skills and the athleticism to handle occasional special teams work, Baugh has the production and multi-role potential to stay in the Hornung conversation all season.

Vernell Brown III – Florida Gators

Vernell Brown III made an immediate impact as a true freshman by leading Florida in receptions and receiving yards while also serving as a primary returner. His combination of route-running ability, yards-after-catch explosiveness, and special teams contributions gives the Gators a dual-threat weapon whose continued growth could elevate him among the nation’s most versatile playmakers.

Malachi Toney – Miami Hurricanes

Malachi Toney exploded onto the scene as a freshman with a program-record 109 receptions and over 1,200 receiving yards, showcasing the kind of production that can carry an offense. While primarily a wide receiver, his elite athleticism and the potential for expanded roles in the return game or gadget packages make him a high-upside Hornung candidate capable of generating big plays across multiple phases.

Paul Hornung Award

The Paul Hornung Award is presented annually to the most versatile player in NCAA Division I FBS football. The process begins with a preseason watch list, followed by a weekly Honor Roll selected by a panel of college football experts based on on-field performance. After roughly the 10th or 11th week of the regular season, an informational packet on leading candidates is distributed to a national Selection Committee of approximately 18 sports journalists and former NFL players. Committee members vote for their top three choices using a 5-3-1 point system to determine the finalists. In early December, the same committee ranks its top three from the finalist pool with the same scoring system to select the winner. Fan voting counts as one additional official ballot at both the finalist and winner stages.

Paul Hornung Award Winner (by Year)

Click here for the Paul Hornung Award Winner by year.