DALLAS – A quartet of Conference USA running backs graced the list of preseason candidates for the 2026 Doak Walker Award, announced Tuesday by the PwC SMU Athletic Forum. Liberty’s Kam Davis, Peyton Jones and Kanye Udoh, along with WKU’s Ajay Allen, are under consideration for the award, presented annually to the nation’s most outstanding running back.
 
Davis transferred to Liberty from Florida State after appearing in 13 games across two seasons. He recorded 60 carries for 224 yards and a touchdown, along with five receptions for 67 yards. A four-star recruit out of Dougherty High School in Albany, Ga., Davis was ranked among the nation’s top three running back prospects by Rivals, 247Sports and ESPN. He also earned 2022 Georgia AAA Player of the Year honors.
 
Jones arrives at Liberty from Duke after playing in 30 games over three seasons. He finished his Duke career with 112 carries for 422 yards and five touchdowns, adding 11 receptions for 117 yards and a touchdown, along with 26 kickoff returns for 557 yards. A three-star recruit from Maury High School in Norfolk, Va., Jones earned All-America honors and helped lead his team to three state championships.
 
Udoh transferred to Liberty from Arizona State after previously starring at Army. He rushed for 240 yards and two touchdowns on 56 carries in 2025, including 105 yards and a touchdown against Mississippi State. During his two seasons at Army, Udoh totaled 1,641 rushing yards and 11 touchdowns, including a breakout 2024 campaign with 1,117 yards and 10 touchdowns while helping Army to a 12-2 record.
 
Allen joins the Hilltoppers after a standout season at Tulsa, where he played in all 12 games and rushed for 497 yards and a team-high five touchdowns on 97 carries. He added 10 receptions for 98 yards and twice surpassed 100 rushing yards. Allen previously spent time at FIU, Miami and Nebraska, totaling 734 rushing yards and nine touchdowns across 21 games during his collegiate career.
 
The PwC SMU Athletic Forum Board of Directors will name ten semifinalists in November, and three finalists, as voted on by the Doak Walker Award National Selection Committee, will also be announced in November. The committee will cast a second vote in December to determine the recipient. The National Selection Committee consists of past recipients, former NFL All-Pro and college All-America running backs, media members and selected special representatives. The recipient of the 2026 Doak Walker Award will be announced live on The Home Depot College Football Awards on December 10, 2026.

The award is named for SMU’s three-time All-America running back Doak Walker. Each Tuesday of this season, The PwC SMU Athletic Forum will once again announce a Doak Walker National Running Back of the week.