Evans Earns Spot On Paul Hornung Award Preseason Watch List
August 10, 2026 | Football
STARKVILLE — Mississippi State wide receiver Anthony Evans III has been named to the 2026 Paul Hornung Award Preseason Watch List, the Louisville Sports Commission announced Monday. The prestigious honor recognizes the most versatile players in major college football.
The Paul Hornung Award presented by Texas Roadhouse, created in 2010, honors the legacy of the late Paul Hornung, a College and Pro Football Hall of Famer known as one of the most versatile players in the history of the sport. The award is presented annually to the player who demonstrates exceptional high-level performance across multiple facets of the game, including offensive roles, defensive duties, and special teams.
Evans enters the 2026 campaign following a breakout 2025 season where he established himself as a focal point of the Bulldogs’ offense. Serving as a dynamic playmaker in Starkville, Evans recorded team-best totals of 67 receptions for 831 yards and four touchdowns, all of which were career highs. Beyond his contributions as a receiver, Evans has consistently displayed the multifaceted skill set required by the Hornung Award, having served as a primary return specialist as well.
The watch list will be narrowed down throughout the season, with the final winner to be honored at the annual Paul Hornung Award banquet in Louisville, Kentucky.
Takeaways From State’s SEC Media Days Trip To Tampa
Kickoff will be here soon enough for Mississippi State and the rest of the college football world. For now, it's talking season.
READ MORE
For the most up-to-date information on the Bulldogs, follow MSU football on X, like them on Facebook and join them on Instagram by searching for "HailStateFB."
