30 FCS Stars Nominated for 2025 Walter Payton Award Finalist List
The Walter Payton Award, representing the top offensive player in FCS college football, has announced its 30 nominees for the 2025 season. Known as the “Heisman of the FCS,” this award honors the legacy of the legendary running back Walter Payton from Jackson State. This marks the 39th season of the award.
2025 Walter Payton Award Finalists
Finalists hail from all 13 FCS conferences, showcasing talent across the nation. The winner will be determined by a national voting panel and revealed at the Stats Perform FCS National Awards Show on January 3, 2025, in Nashville, Tennessee.
Quarterback Finalists
- Keali’I Ah Yat, Montana (R-So., 6-1, 200): 3,154 yards, 25 TDs, 7 INTs
- Braden Atkinson, Mercer (Fr., 6-1, 215): 3,448 yards, 34 TDs, 7 INTs
- Andrew Body, Alabama State (R-Jr., 6-0, 205): 1,770 yards, 20 TDs, 1 INT
- Beau Brungard, Youngstown State (Jr., 6-0, 215): 2,917 yards, 23 TDs, 3 INTs
- Jaden Craig, Harvard (Sr., 6-2, 215): 2,722 yards, 24 TDs, 5 INTs
- Taron Dickens, Western Carolina (R-So., 5-11, 180): 3,508 yards, 38 TDs, 2 INTs
- Devin Farrell, Rhode Island (R-Jr., 6-0, 195): 3,087 yards, 20 TDs, 7 INTs
- Victor Gabalis, Tarleton State (Sr., 6-3, 210): 2,395 yards, 25 TDs, 4 INTs
- Walker Harris, North Carolina Central (R-Sr., 6-1, 195): 3,214 yards, 24 TDs, 9 INTs
Running Back Finalists
- Joshua Dye, Southern Utah (R-So., 5-11, 205): 1,831 yards, 28 TDs
- Kente Edwards, Lafayette (Jr., 5-9, 197): 1,454 yards, 20 TDs
- Marquis Gillis, Delaware State (Grad, 6-0, 210): 1,166 yards, 8 TDs
- Rodney Hammond Jr., Sacramento State (Sr., 5-9, 195): 1,216 yards, 13 TDs
Wide Receiver Finalists
- Marquis Buchanan, Rhode Island (R-So., 6-4, 175): 1,123 yards, 5 TDs
- Joey Isabella, Duquesne (Grad, 5-9, 185): 839 yards, 13 TDs
- Bryce Lance, North Dakota State (R-Sr., 6-3, 209): 1,001 yards, 7 TDs
In addition to the Walter Payton Award, several other prestigious awards will be presented at the FCS National Awards Show, including the Buck Buchanan Award for the top defensive player and the Eddie Robinson Award for the best coach. For more updates on FCS football, follow El-Balad on social media channels like X, Facebook, Instagram, and Bluesky.
