AMES, Iowa – Iowa State running backs Carson Hansen and Abu Sama III were both named to the 2025 Doak Walker Award watch list Tuesday. The award is given annually to the nation’s most outstanding college running back.

Iowa State is one of five Big 12 schools with two running backs on the watch list.

Hansen rushed for 752 yards and 13 touchdowns a season ago, which led the Cyclones in both categories. His 13 rushing TDs were the fifth-most in the Big 12 and ranked No. 28 nationally. Hansen ran the ball with authority, averaging 5.0 yards per carry.

The Lakeville, Minnesota native also hauled in 13 receptions for 88 yards and two touchdowns.

Hansen had five multi-touchdown games in 2024 – including a three-score performance in a Pop-Tarts Bowl victory over No. 15 Miami – and was the first Cyclone since Breece Hall in 2021 to rush for 90+ yards in three-straight games.

Sama started six games for the Cyclones last season and rushed 124 times for 587 yards. The Des Moines, Iowa native is averaging 5.8 yards per carry over his career and has totaled 1,201 rushing yards in his first two seasons.

Always a home run threat, Sama recorded Iowa State’s longest play from scrimmage in 2024 on a 77-yard touchdown run at Houston. Six of his eight career rushing touchdowns have been on runs of 50 or more yards.

Iowa State opens the 2025 season August 23 in Dublin, Ireland against Kansas State in the Aer Lingus College Football Classic. Season tickets are on sale, here.