Paul Hornung Award Selects Wayne Knight to Week Five Honor Roll

LOUISVILLE, Ky. – Following a standout performance against Georgia Southern, James Madison running back Wayne Knight earned a spot on the Paul Hornung Honor Roll, announced by the Louisville Sports Commission on Tuesday afternoon.

The Paul Hornung Award, presented by Texas Roadhouse, is now in its 16th season and is given annually to the most versatile player in major college football.

Knight had a career day in the Dukes' 35-10 victory over the Eagles last Saturday. He rushed for a career-high 151 yards on 19 carries, averaging 7.9 yards per carry, while scoring his third touchdown of the 2025 campaign.

A product of Smyrna, Del., Knight led JMU with four receptions for 35 yards and added 13 punt return yards to combine for a career-best 199 all-purpose yards.

Knight became the Dukes' first 150-yard rusher in a game since Oct. 8, 2022, as JMU finished its Sun Belt Conference opener with 331 rushing yards, its most ever against an FBS opponent.

This marks the third time a JMU student-athlete has been recognized on the Paul Hornung Honor Roll, as Knight joins teammate George Pettaway, who earned a spot last season after JMU's bowl eligibility-clinching win against Southern Miss, and former teammate Kaelon Black, who took home the inaugural nod in 2022.

A national selection committee comprised of 17 sports journalists and former NFL stars votes for the Paul Hornung Award winner. A fan vote makes up the 18th vote to help decide the winner.

Fans can vote for Knight now at louisvillesports.org.

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