Gray Named to Doak Walker Award Preseason Watch List

After transitioning to the running back position full time during the offseason, Liberty's Julian Gray is expected to be one of the top players at his position in 2025.

Today, Gray was named to the 2025 Doak Walker Award preseason watch list, an award that honors the nation's most outstanding college running back.

Gray was one of 103 players named to the preseason watch list, which included three other Conference USA players: Jax State's Cam Cook, WKU's George Hart, III and Delaware's Jo Silver.

The native of Huntersville, N.C., has received multiple preseason honors this year. He was named to the Phil Steele CUSA Preseason All-Conference list (third team: kick return specialist; fourth team: running back) and the Athlon Sports CUSA Preseason All-Conference list (second team: running back and kick return specialist).

Gray spent his first year with the Flames working as both a wide receiver and running back in 2024. The NC State transfer finished the season ranked fourth on the team in all-purpose yards (522).

He had seven receptions for 97 yards and 10 carries for 62 yards during his eight games played. After battling injuries during the first half of the season, Gray started four of the last five games of 2024.

Gray led the Flames by averaging 20.5 yards per kickoff return (17 returns for 348 yards) and had two punt returns for 15 yards.

He was one of six players on Liberty's roster with a rushing touchdown (41-yard touchdown against Middle Tennessee) in 2024 and helped the Flames finish the season ranked No. 4 in the country in rushing offense (250.7 yards per game).

The PwC SMU Athletic Forum Board of Directors will name ten semifinalists in early November for the Doak Walker Award. Later in the month, the Doak Walker Award National Selection Committee will announce its three finalists.

The committee will cast a second vote in December to determine this year's award recipient. The National Selection Committee consists of past recipients, former NFL All-Pro and college All-America running backs, media members and selected special representatives.

The recipient of the 2025 Doak Walker Award will be announced live on The Home Depot College Football Awards on December 12, 2025.

The award is named for SMU's three-time All-America running back Doak Walker. Each Tuesday of this season, The PwC SMU Athletic Forum will once again announce a Doak Walker National Running Back of the Week.

2025 Football Season Ticket Information
Season tickets are on sale now for the 2025 football season! Starting at just $150, fans can save up to 48 percent by purchasing season tickets. Purchase today by going to www.LUFootball.com or calling/texting the Flames Ticket Office at (434) 592-5015.

Schedule

Gray Named to Doak Walker Award Preseason Watch List

Players Mentioned

Julian Gray