DALLAS – Tennessee running backs DeSean Bishop and Star Thomas were recognized Tuesday as preseason watch list members for the Doak Walker Award. The Vols are one of four SEC programs with multiple players recognized.
The PwC SMU Athletic Forum annually presents the award to the nation’s most outstanding college running back. The award is named for SMU’s three-time All-America running back Doak Walker.
DeSean Bishop • Redshirt Sophomore • Knoxville, Tennessee
A local player who walked on at Tennessee before earning a scholarship in the spring of 2025, Bishop is poised for a breakout season. The Karns High School product played in nine games last season and finished third in the SEC in average yards per carry at 6.15. He totaled 455 yards on 74 carries with three touchdowns in 2024.
Star Thomas • Senior • Homer, Louisiana
An experienced and versatile graduate transfer, Thomas arrives on Rocky Top after spending the 2024 season at Duke. The tailback also spent two seasons at New Mexico State after transferring from Coffeyville Community College.
In 40 career FBS games (Duke and NMSU), he has logged 2,044 yards on 433 carries with 16 rushing touchdowns. Thomas has 54 career receptions for 504 yards and six scores in FBS contests.
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 recipient of the 2025 Doak Walker Award will be announced live on The Home Depot College Football Awards on December 12, 2024.
2025 Tennessee Football Preseason Honors
Head Coach Josh Heupel
Dodd Trophy Watch List
DeSean Bishop, RB, R-So.
Doak Walker Award Watch List
Fourth Team All-SEC (Athlon)
Arion Carter, LB, Jr.
Butkus Award Watch List
Second Team All-SEC (Athlon)
Third Team All-SEC (Media)
Boo Carter, DB, So.
Third Team All-SEC (Media)
Fourth Team All-SEC (Athlon)
Bryson Eason, DL, R-Sr.
Allstate Wuerffel Trophy Watch List
Allstate/AFCA Good Works Team Nominee
Third Team All-SEC (Athlon)
Rickey Gibson III, DB, Jr.
Third Team All-SEC (Athlon)
Max Gilbert, PK, R-So.
Lou Groza Award Watch List
Lance Heard, OL, Jr.
Fourth Team All-SEC (Athlon)
Joshua Josephs, DL, Sr.
Second Team All-SEC (Athlon)
Miles Kitselman, TE, R-Sr.
Fourth Team All-SEC (Athlon)
Jermod McCoy, DB, Jr.
Jim Thorpe Award Watch List
Nagurski Trophy Watch List
Lott IMPACT Trophy Watch List
First Team All-American (Athlon, PFF, Walter Camp)
First Team All-SEC (Athlon, Media)
Jackson Ross, P, R-Jr.
Fourth Team All-SEC (Athlon)
Star Thomas, RB, Sr.
Doak Walker Award Watch List
