By Regan Hunsaker, SUU Athletics
CEDAR CITY, Utah – Southern Utah University running back Targhee Lambson has been named one of the top 3 finalists for the 2024 Walter Payton Award, an honor recognizing the most outstanding offensive player in Division I FCS football. As one of the top three Lambson has been invited to the Stats Perform FCS National Awards Banquet in Frisco, Texas where the winner of the 2024 Walter Payton Award will be announced on January 4, 2025.
Targhee Lambson has delivered a season for the ages, shattering records and dominating the national leaderboard. He concluded the regular season as the top rusher in the country with 1,922 yards and ranked second nationally with 23 rushing touchdowns. His exceptional performances earned him United Athletic Conference Offensive Player of the Week honors twice this season.
Lambson’s historic campaign has rewritten the Southern Utah record books. He now holds program records for most carries in a season (320), rushing yards (1,922), and total points scored (142). Additionally, he tied the school record for rushing touchdowns in a single season with 23, cementing his legacy as one of the greatest players in program history.
The Walter Payton Award, now in its 38th year, celebrates offensive excellence at the FCS level and is often regarded as the “Heisman of the FCS.” Past winners include legendary NFL players such as Steve McNair, Tony Romo, Brian Westbrook, Jimmy Garoppolo, Cooper Kupp, and Trey Lance. The winner, determined by a national panel of over 150 experts—including sports information directors, media members, and broadcasters—is selected based on regular-season performance.
Quarterbacks Tommy Mellott of Montana State and Cam Miller of North Dakota State, are the other top vote-getters for the prestigious Walter Payton Award. Mellott, the Big Sky Offensive Player of the Year, has led Montana State to a perfect 12-0 season, boasting a 177.3 passer rating with 22 touchdowns and just one interception while adding 11 rushing touchdowns. Miller, the Missouri Valley Football Conference Offensive Player of the Year has posted an FCS-best 179.9 passer rating and an incredible 74.2% completion percentage for North Dakota State during their 10-2 regular season.
To see the full release by Opta Analyst please follow this link. 2024-walter-payton-award-ceremony-lambson-mellott-miller
