JONESBORO, Ark. (7/31/25) – Arkansas State senior running back Ja’Quez Cross was named among 46 candidates for the 2025 Paul Hornung Award.

The Paul Hornung Award, presented by Texas Roadhouse, is now in its 16th season and is annually presented to the most versatile player in major college football. Cross, selected to the watch list for the second consecutive season, is among four players in school history to appear on the watch list.

Cross appeared in all 13 games last season and totaled 638 rushing yards and a pair of scores. He posted back-to-back 100-plus yard rushing games against Texas State and Southern Miss. Cross added 35 catches for 228 receiving yards and snagged his first receiving touchdown in win at Southern Miss. He possesses four career 100-yard rushing games in his time at A-State. 

The primary kickoff returner the past two seasons at A-State, Cross has totaled 1,129 yards on kickoff return in that span. Last season, he returned 24 kickoffs for 475 yards and holds a career average of 24.0 yards per return. He had a 93-yard kickoff return for a touchdown in 2023 against Texas State. Cross was selected First Team Preseason All-Sun Belt at the all-purpose position and second team at running back and return specialist.

The Paul Hornung Award is a member of the National College Football Awards Association (NCFAA), which encompasses the most prestigious awards in college football. Founded in 1997, the NCFAA and its 25 awards boast more than 900 recipients dating back to 1935.

The Red Wolves are coming off back-to-back bowl appearances, including a win in the 2024 68 Ventures Bowl against Bowling Green. A-State is among four FBS programs to increase its regular season win total every season since 2022.

Arkansas State will kick off its 2025 season at home on Aug. 30, when the Red Wolves host Southeast Missouri at 6:00 p.m. Season tickets may be purchased by calling the Red Wolves Foundation at 870-972-2401 or online by visiting AStateRedWolves.com/Tickets.