Ja’Quez Cross Named to 2025 Paul Hornung Award Watch List
Arkansas State senior running back Ja’Quez Cross has been named one of 46 candidates for the 2025 Paul Hornung Award, presented by Texas Roadhouse. The prestigious honor, now in its 16th season, is awarded annually to the most versatile player in major college football.
This marks the second consecutive year Cross has earned a spot on the watch list. He is just the fourth player in program history to receive this recognition.
Cross had a standout season in 2024, appearing in all 13 games and rushing for 638 yards and two touchdowns. He delivered back-to-back 100-yard rushing performances against Texas State and Southern Miss and added 35 receptions for 228 yards, including his first career receiving touchdown in the Red Wolves' win over Southern Miss. Cross now has four career 100-yard rushing games.
In addition to his offensive production, Cross has excelled as the team’s primary kickoff returner over the past two seasons. He has totaled 1,129 return yards during that span, including 475 yards on 24 returns in 2024. He holds a career average of 24.0 yards per return and scored a 93-yard kickoff return touchdown last season against Texas State.
Heading into 2025, Cross has been selected First Team Preseason All-Sun Belt at the all-purpose position, while also earning Second Team honors at both running back and return specialist.
The Paul Hornung Award is part of the National College Football Awards Association (NCFAA), which includes 25 of college football’s most respected awards. Since its founding in 1997, the NCFAA has honored more than 900 recipients dating back to 1935.
Arkansas State enters the 2025 season with momentum, following back-to-back bowl appearances, including a win in the 2024 68 Ventures Bowl against Bowling Green. The Red Wolves are one of only four FBS programs to increase their regular season win total each year since 2022.
A-State will open the 2025 season at home on Saturday, Aug. 30, against Southeast Missouri. Kickoff is set for 6:00 p.m.