Earl Campbell Tyler Rose Award preseason watchlist announced

Several college football players have been named to the 2026 Earl Campbell Tyler Rose Award preseason watchlist. The award recognizes the top offensive player in Division I football who demonstrates specific characteristics such as integrity, teamwork, and tenacity, while also having ties to Texas through birth or education.

University of Delaware players Viron Ellison Jr. and Da'Wain Lofton are the first in their program's history to be included on the list. Ellison Jr., a Dallas native, recorded 460 rushing yards and four touchdowns in his first season, while Lofton, from Fort Worth, joined Delaware after playing for Oklahoma State and Virginia Tech.

Arkansas senior tight end Jaden Platt, a native of Haslet, Texas, also earned a spot on the watchlist. Platt recorded 21 receptions for 296 yards and two touchdowns during the 2025 season. The watchlist will be narrowed to 16 semifinalists in November and five finalists in December, with the winner announced in January 2027.