LOUISVILLE, Ky. (JMU Athletics) – James Madison running back Wayne Knight was selected as one of six finalists for the 2025 Paul Hornung Award, which is given annually to the most versatile player in major college football.
Knight becomes the first finalist for the Paul Hornung Award in program history, and he’s the only player from outside the power conferences to make the top six.
Joining him as a 2025 finalist were Louisville’s Caullin Lacy, Notre Dame’s Jadarian Price, Texas A&M’s KC Concepcion, Texas Tech’s J’Koby Williams and Washington’s Jonah Coleman.
Through eight games this season, Knight has produced 1,103 all-purpose yards, averaging 137.9 per game, which is good for third nationally in the Football Bowl Subdivision. Knight leads JMU in rushing with 659 yards and five touchdowns and is second in receiving with 25 receptions for 234 yards. Knight also averages 8.6 yards on 14 punt returns and 22.3 yards on four kickoff returns.
He additionally ranks 19th nationally in yards per carry (6.22), 32nd in punt return average and 34th in rushing yards per game (82.4).
Knight is a two-time Paul Hornung Award Honor Roll recipient this season, as he’s rushed for over 100 yards twice and had at least 85 rushing yards in five outings. The redshirt junior produced a career-best 199 all-purpose yards against Georgia Southern, running for 151 while gaining 35 through the air and adding 13 on punt returns.
The Paul Hornung Award, presented by Texas Roadhouse, is now in its 16th season and is owned and operated by the Louisville Sports Commission. The Award pays tribute to the late football legend and Louisville native Paul Hornung. The winner and his family will be honored at the annual Paul Hornung Award dinner in downtown Louisville in March 2026.
— JMU Athletics —
