CARROLLTON, Ga. - Before the first snap of his career, UWG quarterback Collin Hurst has garnered national attention as he was named today to the Walter Payton Award Preseason Watch List. 

The Walter Payton Award, affectionately known as the Heisman of the FCS, is named for legendary running back Walter Payton, who starred at Jackson State as part of his Hall of Fame career. In it's 40th season of existence in 2026, it is given annually to the top offensive player in FCS football. 

Hurst, a transfer from Presbyterian, spent three seasons under head coach Steve Englehart at Presbyterian, threw for 5,066 yards and 48 touchdowns in two seasons on the field for the Blue Hose following a redshirt season. 

In 2025, Hurst led the Pioneer Football League in every passing category on his way to PFL Offensive Player of the Year honors as well as a finalist for the Walter Payton Award. A year prior, Hurst was an FCS Freshman All-American and was a top-10 finalist for the Jerry Rice Award, an honor presented annually to the most outstanding freshman player in FCS. 

Now Hurst has brought his talent to Carrollton with two seasons of eligibility.  

The Davie, Florida native is one of 30 players on the Watch List that includes 11 quarterbacks, 11 running backs, and eight wide receivers. Hurst is one of three players from the United Athletic Conference on the Watch List, joined by Tarleton State running back Tylan Hines and Austin Peay quarterback Chris Parson. 

Hurst and the Wolves report to Fall Camp on July 26th and open practice on July 28. The season gets underway on Thursday, August 27 as the Wolves host Chattanooga in the 2026 opener.