Inside The Panthers

Pitt Football's Israel Abanikanda Lands On Hornung Award Watch List

The leading Pitt Panther rusher from a year ago is in the running for the Paul Hornung Award.

Stephen Thompson

Pitt Football's Israel Abanikanda Lands On Hornung Award Watch List
Pitt Football's Israel Abanikanda Lands On Hornung Award Watch List /
In this story:

PITTSBURGH -- Preseason accolades continue to roll in for the Pitts Panthers as various foundations set their preseason watch lists. Running back Israel Abanikanda is the latest to find himself in contention for a national award, after the Louisville Sports Commission named him a candidate for the Paul Hornung Award, given to the most versatile player in college football. 

Abanikanda scored for a record-setting 2021 Pitt offense in a variety of ways. He was the leader in a deep running back group, rushing for 651 yards and seven touchdowns. He added 24 receptions for nearly 200 yards and a score as well. 

Abanikanda added a third method of scoring midseason, when he began returning kickoffs regularly. He averaged 29.4 yards per return on seven attempts, the best of which was a 98-yard spring to the end zone against Virginia. 

The Hornung Award is relatively young - just 12 years old - and a Pitt player has never won it. 

Make sure you bookmark Inside the Panthers for the latest news, exclusive interviews, recruiting coverage and so much more!

Pitt Football's Deslin Alexandre Named to Weurffel Award Watch List

Taking Stock of Pitt Football's Defensive Line

Pitt Lands Two on Preseason All-ACC Football Team

MSU HC: Peach Bowl Between Pitt Football, Spartans Was 'Decided on Field'

Pitt Projected as Runner-Up in Preseason ACC Football Poll

Anticipation Builds on Both Sides for Brawl Between WVU, Pitt Football

Pitt Football DL Calijah Kancey Lands on Nagurski Watch List

Pitt Football's Calijah Kancey, Carter Warren Named to Outland Trophy Watch List

Pitt Football HC Pat Narduzzi No Fan of New ACC Scheduling

Published
Stephen Thompson
STEPHEN THOMPSON

Stephen Thompson graduated with a bachelor's degree in communications and political science from Pitt in April 2022 after spending four years as a sports writer and editor at The Pitt News, the University of Pittsburgh's independent, student-run newspaper.  He primarily worked the Pitt men's basketball beat, and filled in on coverage of football, volleyball, softball, gymnastics and lacrosse, in addition to other sports as needed. His work at The Pitt News has won awards from the Pennsylvania News Media Association and Associated College Press.  During the spring and summer of 2021, Stephen interned for Pittsburgh Sports Now, covering baseball in western Pennsylvania. Hailing from Washington D.C., family ties have cultivated a love of Boston's professional teams and Pitt athletics, and a fascination with sports in general.  You can reach Stephen by email at stephenethompson00@gmail.com and follow him on Twitter. Read his latest work:

Home/Football