Oregon Ducks’ underrated offensive weapon nominated for elite preseason honor ahead of the 2025 college football season
Most every Oregon Ducks fan is extremely excited about the arrival of running back Makhi Hughes to Eugene, but that isn’t the underrated offensive weapon who just made it onto the Paul Hornung Award Preseason Watch List.Sixth year veteran running back Noah Whittington was surprisingly the Oregon star nominated most likely to win the award […]
Most every Oregon Ducks fan is extremely excited about the arrival of running back Makhi Hughes to Eugene, but that isn’t the underrated offensive weapon who just made it onto the Paul Hornung Award Preseason Watch List.
Sixth year veteran running back Noah Whittington was surprisingly the Oregon star nominated most likely to win the award for “most versatile player in college football”. Can he actually win it?
Noah Whittington, RB Oregon makes the Paul Hornung Award Preseason Watch List
Noah Whittington has been a steady contributor for Oregon for three straight seasons, yet still doesn’t get the credit her deserves. He posted nearly 1000 yards from scrimmage in his first year with Oregon back in 2022. He redshirted with just four games of action in 2023, but proved to be wildly efficient. Then last year he added 700 yards from scrimmage and over 230 kick return yards.
Whittington just continues to impress, and should do so again this season too. He may have his work cut out for him if he wants to actually win the Paul Hornung Award, but he should have plenty of opportunities to run, catch passes, and likely return kicks once again.
Travis Hunter won the Paul Hornung two years in a row thanks to his otherworldly two-way play at both wide receiver and cornerback, but that’s hardly the norm when it comes to Paul Hornung award winners. Most every year the award is won by a running back or wide receiver who also adds value as a hyper-efficient return specialist. DeVonta Smith. Lynn Bowden (Kentucky). Rondale Moore (Purdue). Christian McCaffrey. The Paul Hornung Award winners list is quite the storied group of talents.
Whittington may not be considered that elite when compared to some of the former winners, but the right formula of skill and opportunity certainly seem to be there. If he adds more value as a returner this year, then adds a bit more volume as a receiver in 2025 there’s a real path for him to win it. Regardless, it’s great to see an Oregon Ducks star rightfully earn a spot on this prestigious list.
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