Telly Johnson Jr., running back for Northern Illinois University, has been named a preseason candidate for the prestigious 2026 Doak Walker Award, recognizing the top collegiate running back. Johnson joins 59 other candidates after an impressive sophomore season where he rushed for 712 yards and four touchdowns, showcasing his explosive playmaking ability with all touchdowns coming from at least 40 yards. His performance placed him 29th in the FBS and second in conference rankings for yards per carry. The selection committee will announce semifinalists and finalists later in the fall, culminating in the award recipient being revealed in December.

By the Numbers
  • 712 rushing yards and 4 touchdowns in 2025 on 124 carries.
  • Averaged 5.74 yards per carry, ranking 29th in the FBS and 2nd in the conference.
State of Play
  • The Doak Walker Award semifinalists will be announced in November.
  • Johnson’s career totals: 1,192 rushing yards and 8 touchdowns over 18 games.
What's Next

The committee will vote in December to determine the Doak Walker Award recipient, and Johnson's performance in upcoming games will be crucial to his candidacy.

Bottom Line

Telly Johnson Jr.'s preseason recognition signals a promising season ahead for him and Northern Illinois football, as he aims to build on his previous success and stake his claim among the best running backs in college football.