(BCSNN) — UCF running backs Myles Montgomery and Jaden Nixon have been named to the 2025 Doak Walker Award preseason watch list. The honor recognizes the top running backs in college football and places the duo among 75 candidates nationally, including 16 from the Big 12 Conference.

Montgomery, a redshirt senior, returns after rushing for 293 yards and three touchdowns on 51 carries in 2024, his first season with the Knights after transferring from Cincinnati. He also added a 49-yard touchdown reception and graded out as UCF’s top run blocker. Known for his burst and versatility, Montgomery is expected to take on a larger role in the offense following the departure of RJ Harvey to the NFL.

Nixon, also a redshirt senior, transferred to UCF from Western Michigan, where he earned All-MAC First Team honors last season. He rushed for 921 yards and 12 touchdowns on 143 carries, including a 92-yard score against Kent State and a 189-yard performance versus Bethune-Cookman. Nixon began his career at Oklahoma State, where he totaled 500 rushing yards and four receiving touchdowns over three seasons.

The Knights open the 2025 season on Aug. 28 against Jacksonville State, with head coach Scott Frost entering his first year back at the helm. UCF is projected to finish near the bottom of the Big 12 standings, returning just four starters and integrating more than 60 new players. Despite modest expectations, Frost has praised the backfield tandem as a key strength of the roster.

“Myles and Jaden are both explosive, experienced, and hungry,” Frost said. “They’ve been leaders in camp and will be central to what we do offensively. We’re going to lean on them early and often.”

With a quarterback battle still unresolved and a rebuilt offensive line, Montgomery and Nixon’s production could be pivotal in helping UCF exceed preseason projections. Both backs will look to follow in the footsteps of Harvey, who was twice a Doak Walker semifinalist before being drafted by the Denver Broncos.