Louisville, Ky. – Sept. 17, 2024 – Three players representing the Big 12, the MAC and the ACC were named to the Paul Hornung Award Honor Roll for their performances in week three of the college football season. Making the list are Travis Hunter, Colorado; Jaden Nixon, Western Michigan; and Nay’Quan Wright, South Florida. The National College Football Awards Association will honor Hunter as the Paul Hornung Award Player-of-the-Week for his performance in Colorado’s win over archrival Colorado State.
Colorado junior defensive back/wide receiver Travis Hunter played offense and defense for the Buffaloes, logging 123 of 138 snaps in a 28-9 road win over archrival Colorado State. On offense, Hunter caught 13 passes for 100 yards and two second-half touchdowns. His two-yard touchdown reception in the third quarter effectively put the game out of reach; his 21-yard touchdown reception in the fourth quarter closed out the scoring. On defense, Hunter made five tackles, picked off a pass to end a CSU scoring threat and had one pass deflection.
Western Michigan junior running back/return specialist Jaden Nixon touched the ball three different ways for 268 all-purpose yards and two scores in the Broncos’ 59-31 home win over Bethune-Cookman. Nixon carried the ball 17 times for 189 yards and two scores, caught one pass, accounted for nine first downs from scrimmage and returned four kickoffs. His eight-yard scoring run in the second quarter pushed WMU’s lead to 21-0 and his 37-yard touchdown run in the third quarter gave CMU a 42-21 lead.
South Florida senior running back/return specialist Nay’Quan Wright touched the ball 19 times three different ways and scored once in the Bulls’ 49-24 road win over Southern Miss. Wright carried the ball 15 times for 105 yards and four first downs and broke away for a 37-yard scoring run late in the third quarter that effectively put the game out of reach. Wright also caught three passes and returned a kickoff to the Southern Miss 32-yard line.
The Louisville Sports Commission successfully launched the Paul Hornung Award in 2010 to honor its namesake and native son, and to promote outstanding performances by versatile college football players who often go unnoticed. Each week during the regular season, a panel of college football experts selects players for the Paul Hornung Award Honor Roll based on performance. A national selection committee comprised of 18 sports journalists and former NFL stars votes for the Hornung Award finalists and the winner, with fan voting powered by Texas Roadhouse comprising the 19th vote.
2024 Paul Hornung Award Honor Roll
- Week 1: Quali Conley, Arizona; Travis Hunter, Colorado; Desmond Reid, Pitt; and Nicholas Singleton, Penn State.
- Week 2: Desmond Claiborne, Wake Forest; Quali Conley, Arizona; Travis Hunter, Colorado; Brennan Presley, Oklahoma State; and Zylan Perry, Louisiana
ABOUT Louisville Sports Commission
The Louisville Sports Commission (LSC) is a Louisville, Kentucky-based 501(c)(3) organization whose mission is to create a legacy of economic and social vitality through sports. The LSC attracts and hosts sporting events and activities that have a positive economic impact on Louisville, enhance the area’s image as a premier sports destination and promote active lifestyles to improve the quality of life for community members of all ages. More information is available online at www.louisvillesports.org, www.facebook.com/
ABOUT Texas Roadhouse
Texas Roadhouse was founded by Kent Taylor in 1993 and has more than 650 locations in 49 states and 11 foreign countries. This Louisville-based company has a family of three brands, including Bubba’s 33 with 50 locations in 15 states and Jaggers with over 10 locations in multiple states. Bubba’s 33 was founded in 2013 and Jaggers in 2014, each with their own signature menu items and made-from-scratch food. All three concepts have received national and local recognition. For more information, visit www.texasroadhouse.com.
ABOUT National College Football Awards Association
The Paul Hornung Award is a member of the National College Football Awards Association (NCFAA). Founded in 1997, the NCFAA includes college football’s most prestigious awards and its 24 awards have honored more than 900 recipients dating back to 1935. This season, 13 NCFAA awards will honor national players of the week each Tuesday. For more information about the NCFAA and its award programs, visit the redesigned NCFAA.org or follow on Twitter at @NCFAA
