November 03, 2026 | Football
LUBBOCK, Texasย โย Texas Tech's J'Koby Williams was selected by the National College Football Awards Association as the Paul Hornung Award National Player of the Week on Tuesday following his performance in the Red Raiders' 34-26 victory over then-No. 22 Arizona last Saturday. The Paul Hornung Award recognizesย the most versatile player in major college football.
The versatile junior running back finished with a team-best 223 all-purpose yards and a touchdown, touching the ball 16 times across three different phases of the game. Williams rushed for 175 yards on just 14 carries, added 11 yards on one reception and gained 37 yards on a kick return. His 223 all-purpose yards were the most by a Red Raider in a single game this season and the most since Cameron Dickey recorded 279 against Kansas last season. Williams capped his performance with a 64-yard touchdown run with just over two minutes remaining to seal the victory.
Williams helped spearhead a Texas Tech rushing attack that totaled 328 yards, while he and quarterback Thomas Castellanos each surpassed the 100-yard mark on the ground. They became the first Red Raider duo to accomplish the feat since Cam'Ron Valdez (111) and Tahj Brooks (102) did so against Houston on Sept. 30, 2023. Williams and Castellanos also became just the second quarterback-running back duo in program history to each rush for at least 100 yards in a game, joining quarterback Rob Peters and running back Ricky Williams, who accomplished the feat against Baylor on Oct. 3, 1998.
Williams established a career high with 175 rushing yards, surpassing the previous mark of 165 he recorded in the Red Raiders' previous home game against Arizona State.
Williams was also named to the Paul Hornung Award Honor Roll for the second time this season following his Week 9 performance against Arizona. He previously earned the recognition after the Red Raiders' victory over Arizona State in Week 7.
Williams was one of six finalists for the 2025 Paul Hornung Award.
About the Paul Hornung Award presented by Texas Roadhouse
The Paul Hornung Award has built an impressive legacy over its first 16 seasons, with nine winners becoming first-round NFL Draft picks โ KC Concepcion, Tavon Austin, Saquon Barkley, Odell Beckham Jr., Travis Hunter, Christian McCaffrey, Jabrill Peppers, DeVonta Smith and Shaq Thompson.
Hornung, who passed away in his hometown at age 84 in November 2020, played every position in the offensive backfield during his career with the Irish in the 1950s. He also played defensive safety, punted, placekicked and returned kickoffs. Hornung was named an All-American quarterback as a senior and won the Heisman Trophy in 1956 before becoming the No. 1 overall selection in the NFL Draft by the Green Bay Packers. He earned NFL MVP honors in 1961 for the Packers as a triple-threat halfback and placekicker by setting a single-season NFL scoring record that stood for 46 years. Hornung is a member of the College and Pro Football Halls of Fame, and legendary coach Vince Lombardi once called him "The most versatile man ever to play the game."
About the Paul Hornung Award Fan Vote
Following Week 10 of the regular season, the Louisville Sports Commission (LSC) staff compiles an informational packet featuring players recognized on the Honor Roll and distributes it to the 18-member Paul Hornung Award Selection Committee. Selection Committee members then vote for their top three choices for the Paul Hornung Award finalists. Committee members may select any FBS player who meets the award's criteria, whether or not the player has appeared on the Honor Roll.
Fan voting counts as the 19th vote in both the finalist and winner selections. The fan vote represents approximately 6 percent of the overall vote.
Texas Tech supporters can vote for Williams, online atย https://poll.fm/17450495
