Courtesy of Hunter Corneliusen
FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – Arkansas running back and return specialist Sutton Smith has been named to the preseason watch list for the 2026 Paul Hornung Award presented by Texas Roadhouse, the Louisville Sports Commission announced Monday.
The Paul Hornung Award, now in its 17th season, is given annually to the most versatile player in major college football by the Louisville Sports Commission and football legend and Louisville native Paul Hornung.
Smith arrives in Fayetteville after spending the previous four years of his collegiate career at Memphis, playing under Silverfield. As a redshirt junior in 2025, Smith appeared in 12 games while rushing for 669 yards and seven touchdowns on 102 carries, while adding 20 receptions for 109 yards, 155 yards on five kick returns and 125 yards on 15 punt returns for a total of 1,058 total yards. Smith registered three 100-yard rushing games, highlighted by rushing 12 times for a career-high 147 yards and one touchdown against Arkansas on Sept. 20. Smith’s 64-yard touchdown run with 4:51 left in the game accounted for the game-winning touchdown. Additionally, Smith also rushed for 113 yards and two touchdowns on 18 carries against Troy (Sept. 13) and registered his final 100+ yard game of the season by rushing for 109 yards and two touchdowns on seven carries against East Carolina (Nov. 15). The Powder Springs, Ga., product also had a 99-yard kickoff return for a touchdown on Oct. 18 at UAB. Smith ranked tied for ninth nationally in rushing plays of 60+ yards with two, while being one of just 14 FBS running backs returning with an 80+ yard rush last season.
The Paul Hornung Award selection committee, comprised of 18 sports journalists and football experts from across the country, will pick from among five award finalists. The winner and his family will be honored at the annual Paul Hornung Award dinner in Louisville in March 2027.
