Monangai Named to Doak Walker Award Watch List

PISCATAWAY, N.J. – Rutgers football RB Kyle Monangai was selected to the Doak Walker Award watch list released today by the PwC SMU Athletic Forum. The award is presented annually to the nation’s most outstanding college running back.

The Big Ten’s leading rusher in 2023, Monangai racked up 1,262 rushing yards with seven 100-yard games and three with 150 or more yards. The running back was voted Second Team All-Big Ten, ranked No. 12 nationally, second in the league and sixth in the school record book with 242 carries.

He scored eight touchdowns, including a score on 163 rushing yards to garner MVP in the Bad Boy Mowers Pinstripe Bowl win over Miami. The Roseland, New Jersey, native rated as the top running back in the Big Ten, best in the Power 5 and No. 5 nationally by Pro Football Focus.

Monangai is a three-time Academic All-Big Ten honoree and enters 2024 with 1,942 career rushing yards, seeking to become the 16th player in program history to reach 2,000. He served as a team captain in 2023.

Semifinalists for the Doak Walker Award will be announced in November. The award is named after SMU’s three-time All-America running back Doak Walker.

Rutgers on Preseason Watch Lists

Doak Walker Award: RB Kyle Monangai

Mannelly Award: LS Austin Riggs

Maxwell Award: RB Kyle Monangai

Rutgers opens the season Thursday, Aug. 29 at SHI Stadium versus Howard. Season and individual game tickets are on sale. To purchase, visit ScarletKnights.com/tickets or call 866-445-GORU (4678). Benefits to being a season ticket holder include an exclusive opportunity to purchase season parking within walking distance on Busch campus, a payment plan option and other Rutgers ticket offers throughout the year. Purchasing season tickets directly supports student-athletes.

2024 Rutgers Football Schedule

Thursday, Aug. 29 (6 p.m., Big Ten Network) vs. Howard (Youth Football Night)

Saturday, Sept. 7 (Noon, Big Ten Network) vs. Akron (R Community Game)

Saturday, Sept. 21 at Virginia Tech

Friday, Sept. 27 (8 p.m., FOX) vs. Washington* (Blackout)

Saturday, Oct. 5 (Noon, 3:30 p.m. or 4 p.m.) at Nebraska*

Saturday, Oct. 12 vs. Wisconsin* (Scarlet Out)

Saturday, Oct. 19 (Noon, 3:30 p.m. or 4 p.m.) vs. UCLA* (Homecoming & Family Weekend)

Friday, Oct. 25 (11 p.m., FOX) at USC*

Saturday, Nov. 9 vs. Minnesota* (Military Appreciation)

Saturday, Nov. 16 at Maryland*

Saturday, Nov. 23 vs. Illinois* (Senior Day/Thank You Fans)

Saturday, Nov. 30 at Michigan State*

* – Big Ten game

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