LARAMIE, Wyo. (August 24, 2026) – The fourteenth annual Earl Campbell Tyler Rose Award Watch List was announced on Tuesday. Cowboy sophomore running back Samuel "Tote" Harris was named to the list, as he has been named to numerous preseason award watch lists ahead of the season opener against Colorado State on Sept. 5.
The Earl Campbell Tyler Rose Award recognizes the top offensive player in Division I football who also exhibits the enduring characteristics that define Earl Campbell: integrity, performance, teamwork, sportsmanship, drive, community and tenacity; specifically, tenacity to persist and determination to overcome adversity and injury in pursuit of reaching goals. In addition, the nominee must meet one or more of the following criteria: Played football at and graduated from a Texas High School and/or currently playing at Texas D1 four-year college.
Harris was a preseason All-MW selection by both Phil Steele and Athlon Sports. Harris was Wyoming's leading rusher last season, appearing in 11 games with seven starts. He finished the season with 558 yards on 100 carries for 5.6 yards per rush. He added a rushing score on the season coming against Northern Iowa. He also added 184 yards receiving on 16 catches. He rushed for a career-high 126 yards against Colorado with a career-long rush of 50 yards. He had four receptions at Air Force for a season best and had 58 yards receiving including a long of 52 against San Jose State. He also rushed for 102 yards against Fresno State on only 12 carries.
The Watch List announced today will be narrowed to up to 16 semifinalists in November and then up to 5 finalists in December. They will be selected by broadcasters, commentators, journalists, fans, and previous winners. The winner will be announced in December and celebrated at The Earl Campbell Tyler Rose Award Banquet scheduled for January 27, 2027 in Tyler, Texas.
This year's Watch List (complete list attached) includes:
- 107 players from 9 conferences and 2 independents (American, ACC, Big 12, Big Ten, Conference USA, Mountain West, Pac-12, SEC, and Sun Belt)
- Players representing Universities from 34 different states and 72 schools.
- Wide Receivers lead the nominations with 36, followed by Running backs (28), Offensive Linemen (16), Quarterbacks (15), Tight ends (10), Fullbacks (1), and Miner back (1).
A player does not have to appear on the initial Watch List to be eligible to win the award.
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The Watch List is made up of players nominated from their respective schools.
THE EARL CAMPBELL TYLER ROSE AWARD
The Earl Campbell Tyler Rose Award was announced in 2012 by the Tyler Area Chamber of Commerce and SPORTyler.
"We are fortunate to have a celebrity who exhibits the impeccable virtues that define this award," Cindy Smoak, Executive Director SPORTyler said. In addition to being a well-known sports figure, Earl also earned a college degree, married his high school sweetheart, raised two successful sons and still supports the community where he grew up."
Earl Campbell graduated from John Tyler High School in Tyler, Texas before joining the Texas Longhorns under legendary Coach Darrell K. Royal. In his senior year, he led the nation with 1,744 yards rushing and 19 touchdowns, going on to win the Longhorns' first Heisman Trophy.
He was subsequently drafted by the Houston Oilers where he won Rookie of the Year honors in 1978 and went on to lead the NFL in rushing 3 times. Campbell earned NFL MVP in 1979 and was elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1991. He now resides in Austin.
"All my life, all I wanted to do was be an athlete," Campbell said. "I kept God in my life and surrounded myself with good people. I am humbled by this award named in my honor."
