Nate Frazier and Josh McCray Named to Doak Walker Award Watch List: Recognizing the Nation’s Premier Running Backs
The college football landscape is brimming with elite talent at every position, but few accolades carry the same prestige for a running back as being named to the Doak Walker Award Watch List. This year, two rising stars—Nate Frazier and Josh McCray—have earned their place on this elite list, signaling their status among the top running backs in the country ahead of the 2025 season.
The Doak Walker Award, named after the legendary SMU and NFL halfback Doak Walker, is presented annually to the most outstanding running back in college football. It’s not just a recognition of on-field production but also character, leadership, and academic standing. For Frazier and McCray, the honor of being included on the watch list reflects both their growing reputations as premier rushers and their potential to leave a significant impact in the 2025 campaign.
Nate Frazier: The Young Star With Elite Burst
Nate Frazier has been one of the most talked-about young backs in the country over the past year. A standout for the Georgia Bulldogs, Frazier has quickly made a name for himself thanks to his elite speed, field vision, and versatility out of the backfield. Entering his sophomore season, he is already projected by many analysts to be the next great Georgia running back, following in the footsteps of legends like Nick Chubb, Todd Gurley, and D’Andre Swift.
Frazier’s freshman campaign saw flashes of brilliance, including multiple explosive runs against SEC competition and reliable contributions in the passing game. While he shared the backfield with more experienced runners last season, his touches are expected to increase significantly in 2025. Georgia’s offensive staff has spoken glowingly about his work ethic, leadership in the locker room, and maturity beyond his years.
At 5-foot-11 and around 205 pounds, Frazier combines agility with deceptive strength. His ability to read defenses and hit the second level quickly makes him a threat every time he touches the ball. He is also expected to be more involved in the Bulldogs’ receiving game this season, showcasing his ability as a three-down back—an essential trait for Doak Walker Award contenders.
Josh McCray: The Powerhouse from Illinois
While Frazier dazzles with finesse and acceleration, Josh McCray brings a different flavor to the position. The senior from Illinois is known for his bruising running style, physicality, and relentless drive. At 6-foot-1 and 235 pounds, McCray is a classic workhorse back—one who wears down defenses over four quarters and thrives in short-yardage and goal-line situations.
McCray’s journey has been marked by perseverance and toughness. After an injury-riddled 2023 season, he bounced back in 2024 with a renewed sense of purpose, leading Illinois in rushing yards and helping guide the team to a bowl appearance. He finished the year with over 1,100 yards on the ground, averaging 5.1 yards per carry and notching 13 touchdowns—numbers that put him firmly in the national conversation.
What separates McCray from many others is his durability and consistency. He rarely goes down on first contact and has earned a reputation as one of the hardest runners in the Big Ten. Illinois head coach Bret Bielema has consistently praised McCray’s leadership and veteran presence, calling him “the heart of our offense.”
McCray is also known for his discipline and commitment off the field, aligning perfectly with the Doak Walker Award’s emphasis on character and academics. With the spotlight now firmly on him, he’s poised for a senior season that could solidify his status as one of the best backs in the nation.
A Prestigious Honor and a Motivational Spark
Being named to the Doak Walker Award Watch List is more than just a preseason accolade—it’s a statement that Frazier and McCray are among the elite at their position. Historically, the award has been a predictor of both Heisman Trophy contention and NFL success. Past winners include legends such as Ricky Williams, LaDainian Tomlinson, Reggie Bush, Derrick Henry, and Jonathan Taylor.
For Frazier, this recognition places him squarely in the national spotlight, potentially as a breakout sophomore capable of defining the Bulldogs’ offense in 2025. For McCray, it serves as validation of a journey built on resilience and grit—a signal that he belongs among the nation’s elite after overcoming adversity.
What’s Ahead
Both players face tough conference schedules, with Frazier navigating the brutal SEC gauntlet and McCray grinding through the physical Big Ten slate. But each will have plenty of opportunities to impress voters and solidify their place among the best.
Frazier’s Georgia team is once again a playoff contender, and he could be a key component of a national championship run. Meanwhile, McCray will look to carry Illinois to new heights, hoping to make noise in a wide-open Big Ten West.
If they continue to perform at the level expected of them—or better—they won’t just remain on the watch list. They’ll be legitimate contenders to take home the Doak Walker Award come December.
As the season unfolds, all eyes will be on these two backs—one a rising young star, the other a seasoned veteran—as they chase greatness on the field and represent everything the Doak Walker Award stands for.
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