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Texas Tech Star J'Koby Williams Earns National Honor After Arizona Win
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- Texas Tech Star J'Koby Williams Earns National Honor After Arizona Win
(texastech.com)
Texas Tech running back J'Koby Williams is turning into one of the most dangerous offensive weapons in the Big 12, and now he's receiving national recognition for it.
The Red Raiders' junior standout was named the Paul Hornung Award National Player of the Week on Tuesday following a spectacular all-around performance in Texas Tech's 34-26 victory over Arizona.
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MORE: No. 15 Texas Tech Faces Must-Win Test Against West Virginia
Williams finished with a season-high 223 all-purpose yards, including a career-best 175 rushing yards, helping Texas Tech keep its College Football Playoff hopes alive.
And he saved his biggest play for the moment the Red Raiders needed it most.
With just over two minutes remaining against Arizona, Williams broke loose for a 64-yard touchdown run that effectively slammed the door on the Wildcats' comeback hopes.
It was the finishing touch on an extraordinary afternoon.
Williams averaged 12.5 yards per carry on just 14 rushing attempts. He also contributed 11 receiving yards and 37 kickoff return yards, demonstrating the versatility recognized by the award named after legendary Notre Dame and Green Bay Packers star Paul Hornung.
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The Paul Hornung Award honors college football's most versatile player, recognizing athletes who make significant contributions in multiple phases of the game.
Williams certainly fits that description.
His 223 all-purpose yards were the most by a Texas Tech player this season and the program's highest single-game total since Cameron Dickey recorded 279 against Kansas in 2025.
But Williams wasn't working alone.
Quarterback Thomas Castellanos added 117 rushing yards in his first start after replacing Will Hammond, giving the Red Raiders a dynamic combination that Arizona struggled to contain.
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Together, Williams and Castellanos produced 292 rushing yards as Texas Tech piled up 328 yards on the ground.
The performance also carried historical significance.
Williams and Castellanos became just the second quarterback-running back combination in Texas Tech history to each exceed 100 rushing yards in the same game.
The only previous duo to accomplish that feat was quarterback Rob Peters and running back Ricky Williams against Baylor in 1998.
For J'Koby Williams, the recognition adds to an already impressive résumé.
He was among six finalists for the 2025 Paul Hornung Award and has earned the award's weekly Honor Roll recognition twice this season.
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His latest performance couldn't have come at a better time for Texas Tech.
The Red Raiders improved to 7-1 following the Arizona victory and debuted at No. 15 in Tuesday's College Football Playoff rankings.
With a critical home game against West Virginia approaching Saturday, coach Joey McGuire needs his offense firing on all cylinders.
Williams has already demonstrated what happens when he gets into open space.
Now opposing defenses have another reason to worry.
MORE: Texas Tech at No. 15 in Initial CFP Top 15, Red Raiders Too Low?
And if Texas Tech continues its push toward a Big 12 championship, Williams could be one of the biggest reasons why.
Texas Tech hosts West Virginia on Saturday at 8:30 p.m. CT on ESPN.
