ORLANDO – UCF football running back Duke Watson has been named to the Doak Walker Award Watch List after transferring in ahead of the 2026 season.
Watson joins the Knights after two impressive seasons with Louisville. He had a breakout freshman campaign in 2024, leading the nation with an average of 8.9 yards per carry and was second on the Cardinals in rushing with 597 yards and seven touchdowns. He saw action in seven games in 2025, chalking up 158 rushing yards and a touchdown.
A pair of Knights found their way onto the Doak Walker Award watch list last season as Myles Montgomery and Jaden Nixon. Watson continues a streak that saw former Knight turned NFL running back RJ Harvey check in on the watch list before earning back-to-back semifinalist nods in his junior and senior seasons.
SEASON TICKETS
Season tickets for the 2026 campaign are on sale and can be purchased here! Be sure to be a part of all the action as the Knights play their 20th season in Acrisure Bounce House.
ABOUT UCF ATHLETICS
UCF is a proud member of the Big 12 Conference. Our mission is to positively transform the lives of our students academically, athletically, and personally through a nationally competitive intercollegiate athletics program that enhances the reputation and visibility of the University. We strive to be Florida's preeminent athletic program representing UCF and our community with distinction on the national stage as "Orlando's Hometown Team". To learn more about UCF and Athletics, please visit our websites at www.ucf.edu and www.ucfknights.com.