Duquesne RB Ness Davis Named to Walter Payton Award Preseason Watch List

Ness Davis, a Dquesne RB who emerged as the best in a large stable of backs during the 2025 season, was named to the Walter Payton Award Preseason Watch List today.

The Walter Payton Award is given annually to the best offensive player in FCS. Davis was one of 30 players to garner a mention.

Davis was a second team all-NEC selection last year, but in part this may have been because of his role as part of a hydra of running backs for the Dukes. Davis is a home run hitter, evidenced by a 50+ yard TD run at Mercyhurst. We suspect he’ll be the day one RB1 at Duquesne this year.

No other NEC athlete made the watch list. Davis now emerges as the favorite to be the NEC preseason offensive player of the year, should one be named.

Christopher Jean of CCSU and Trey Watkins of LIU were named to the defensive version of this award, the Buck Buchanon Watchlist.