A-State’s Ja’Quez Cross Named to Doak Walker, Paul Hornung Award Watch Lists
Arkansas State senior running back Ja’Quez Cross has earned national recognition ahead of the 2025 college football season, landing a spot on both the Doak Walker Award and Paul Hornung Award watch lists for the second straight year.
The Doak Walker Award, presented annually to the top running back in college football, announced Cross among 103 players on its prestigious watch list Tuesday. Cross becomes just the sixth player in Arkansas State history to be named to the Doak Walker list in multiple seasons.
In addition, Cross is also one of four players in program history to be selected twice for the Paul Hornung Award Watch List, which honors the most versatile player in major college football. The Paul Hornung Award is now in its 16th season and is presented by Texas Roadhouse.
Cross proved his versatility in 2024 by appearing in all 13 games for the Red Wolves. He rushed for 638 yards and two touchdowns while adding 35 receptions for 228 yards and a receiving score. He notched back-to-back 100-yard rushing performances against Texas State and Southern Miss, and has totaled four 100-yard rushing games during his career.
Ahead of the 2025 campaign, Cross has also been named First Team Preseason All-Sun Belt at the all-purpose position, and Second Team at both running back and return specialist.
The Doak Walker Award is part of the National College Football Awards Association (NCFAA), which includes 25 of the sport’s most prestigious honors. Since 1935, the NCFAA has recognized over 950 elite college football players.
Cross and the Red Wolves enter the 2025 season riding momentum from consecutive bowl appearances, including a victory in the 2024 68 Ventures Bowl over Bowling Green. Arkansas State is one of just four FBS programs to have improved its regular season win total every year since 2022.
The Red Wolves will open the 2025 season at home on Saturday, Aug. 30, against Southeast Missouri. Kickoff is set for 6:00 p.m. at Centennial Bank Stadium.