Alabama A&M freshman running back Byron Perrilliat earned a spot on the 2026 Jerry Rice Award Watch List, recognizing the FCS’ top freshman player. He leads the Bulldogs in rushing and has delivered two 100-yard games, including a standout performance in the team’s conference-opening win over Florida A&M.

By the Numbers
  • Through 8 games, Perrilliat has 437 rushing yards and 4 touchdowns on 65 carries, averaging 6.7 yards per attempt.
  • Against Florida A&M, he rushed for 165 yards and 2 touchdowns on 16 carries; against Bethune-Cookman, he added 103 yards and 2 touchdowns on 14 carries.
  • The watch list includes 30 players, tied for the largest in the award’s 16-year history.
What’s Next

A national media panel will select the award winner after the regular season from a group of finalists. Freshmen and redshirt freshmen are eligible.

Bottom Line

Perrilliat’s production has put him among the FCS’ leading freshman standouts—and gives Alabama A&M a compelling candidate for a national honor.