Desrosiers Jr., Smith Named as Preseason Candidates for 2025 Doak Walker Award.
Aug 05, 2025 | Football
MEMPHIS, Tenn. – University of Memphis running backs Greg Desrosiers Jr. and Sutton Smith have been named as preseason candidates for the 2025 Doak Walker Award, the PwC SMU Athletic Forum announced. The Forum annually presents the award to the nation's most outstanding college running back.
Desrosiers Jr., a redshirt senior out of Lawrence, Mass., appeared in eight games for the Tigers last season while ranking third on the team in rushing attempts (31) and net yardage (228). In his breakout performance of the season, Desrosiers Jr. ran for 41 yards and caught eight passes for 84 yards with three touchdowns (1 rush, 2 rec) in the team's 34-24 win over No. 17 Tulane.
Smith, a redshirt junior from Powder Springs, Ga., appeared in one game for Memphis before a season-ending injury last year. During the 2023 season, Smith appeared in all 13 games for the Tigers rushing 63 times for 305 yards with two touchdowns while adding in 18 receptions for 152 yards and another two scores. He had a season-high 115 yards on the ground on 18 carries and two touchdowns against Bethune-Cookman.
The PwC SMU Athletic Forum Board of Directors will name ten semifinalists in November, and three finalists, as voted on by the Doak Walker Award National Selection Committee, will also be announced in November. The committee will cast a second vote in December to determine the recipient. The National Selection Committee consists of past recipients, former NFL All-Pro and college All-America running backs, media members and selected special representatives. The recipient of the 2025 Doak Walker Award will be announced live on The Home Depot College Football Awards on December 12, 2025.
The award is named for SMU's three-time All-America running back Doak Walker. Each Tuesday of this season, The PwC SMU Athletic Forum will once again announce a Doak Walker National Running Back of the week. University athletic departments nominate candidates for the award and can continue to do so through October.
Memphis football fans can see the Tigers at Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium in the team's season opener on Saturday, Aug. 30 with single-game tickets starting at just $20. The team's season opener against Chattanooga is the annual "901 Game" with tickets available AT THIS LINK.
New this year, fans are encouraged to purchase early and save. Ticket prices will increase by $5 during game week ($10 for Arkansas) and again by an additional $5 on game day ($10 for Arkansas) at the Box Office. This change helps support enhanced planning for security, concessions, and staffing. Historically, over 90% of single-game tickets are purchased during game week.
Season ticket prices remain unchanged from 2024, following a perfect 7-0 home campaign. With prices averaging under $25 per game, season tickets remain the best value for Tiger fans. Tickets can be purchased online at GoTigersGo.com or by calling the Memphis Ticket Office at (901) 678-2331.
For fans seeking more flexibility, the Memphis Football Mini Plan offers access to three premier matchups — Arkansas, Tulsa, and South Florida — starting at just $85.
How to follow the Tigers: For complete information on Memphis Tigers Football, visit www.GoTigersGo.com and follow the team's social media channels on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.
Desrosiers Jr., a redshirt senior out of Lawrence, Mass., appeared in eight games for the Tigers last season while ranking third on the team in rushing attempts (31) and net yardage (228). In his breakout performance of the season, Desrosiers Jr. ran for 41 yards and caught eight passes for 84 yards with three touchdowns (1 rush, 2 rec) in the team's 34-24 win over No. 17 Tulane.
Smith, a redshirt junior from Powder Springs, Ga., appeared in one game for Memphis before a season-ending injury last year. During the 2023 season, Smith appeared in all 13 games for the Tigers rushing 63 times for 305 yards with two touchdowns while adding in 18 receptions for 152 yards and another two scores. He had a season-high 115 yards on the ground on 18 carries and two touchdowns against Bethune-Cookman.
The PwC SMU Athletic Forum Board of Directors will name ten semifinalists in November, and three finalists, as voted on by the Doak Walker Award National Selection Committee, will also be announced in November. The committee will cast a second vote in December to determine the recipient. The National Selection Committee consists of past recipients, former NFL All-Pro and college All-America running backs, media members and selected special representatives. The recipient of the 2025 Doak Walker Award will be announced live on The Home Depot College Football Awards on December 12, 2025.
The award is named for SMU's three-time All-America running back Doak Walker. Each Tuesday of this season, The PwC SMU Athletic Forum will once again announce a Doak Walker National Running Back of the week. University athletic departments nominate candidates for the award and can continue to do so through October.
Memphis football fans can see the Tigers at Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium in the team's season opener on Saturday, Aug. 30 with single-game tickets starting at just $20. The team's season opener against Chattanooga is the annual "901 Game" with tickets available AT THIS LINK.
New this year, fans are encouraged to purchase early and save. Ticket prices will increase by $5 during game week ($10 for Arkansas) and again by an additional $5 on game day ($10 for Arkansas) at the Box Office. This change helps support enhanced planning for security, concessions, and staffing. Historically, over 90% of single-game tickets are purchased during game week.
Season ticket prices remain unchanged from 2024, following a perfect 7-0 home campaign. With prices averaging under $25 per game, season tickets remain the best value for Tiger fans. Tickets can be purchased online at GoTigersGo.com or by calling the Memphis Ticket Office at (901) 678-2331.
For fans seeking more flexibility, the Memphis Football Mini Plan offers access to three premier matchups — Arkansas, Tulsa, and South Florida — starting at just $85.
How to follow the Tigers: For complete information on Memphis Tigers Football, visit www.GoTigersGo.com and follow the team's social media channels on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.
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