Dawson Named To The 2026 Walter Payton Award Watch List

NORMAL, Ill. – Illinois State senior running back Victor Dawson has earned a spot among the best offensive players in the country, as he was named to the Stats Perform 30-player preseason watch list for the iconic Walter Payton Award, which is presented annually to the national offensive player of the year in Division I FCS college football and is celebrating its 40th Anniversary season. This year’s preseason watch list reflects a deep, talented field of candidates heading toward the 2026 season, which celebrates the award’s 40th anniversary. The award, affectionately known as the Heisman of the FCS, is named…