CHICAGO – Davidson College senior running back Mari Adams was one of 30 student-athletes named to the 30-player preseason watch list for the 2025 Walter Payton Award, presented annually by Stats Perform to the national offensive player of the year in Division I FCS college football.

Adams, from Shelby, North Carolina, was a Stats Perform Preseason Third-Team selection earlier this month after a First Team All-PFL campaign in 2024 that saw him rank among the FCS leaders in rushing yards (1,231 yards, 13th), rushing yards per game (111.9 ypg, 5th), and rushing touchdowns (15 TDs, 11th). He enters 2025 having rushed for 2,368 yards and 31 touchdowns during his career.
 
The award, in its 39th season and 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. Past recipients include Steve McNair, Tony Romo, Brian Westbrook, Jimmy Garoppolo and Cooper Kupp; Montana State’s Tommy Mellott was last season’s winner.
 
All 13 FCS conferences are represented on the watch list, which includes nine past finalists. This season’s recipient will be announced at the Stats Perform National Awards Presentation on Jan. 3, 2026 in Nashville, Tennessee.