ECU running back Ashton Gray has been named to the Doak Walker Award watch list, which recognizes the top players at his position in the country ahead of the start of the 2026 season.
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Photo and story by ECU Sports Information
DALLAS, Texas – East Carolina running back Ashton Gray is one of 62 running backs named to the 2026 Doak Walker Preseason Watch List the PwC SMU Athletic Forum announced Tuesday afternoon. The Forum annually presents the award to the nation’s most outstanding college running back.
Ashton Gray (Career and 2025 Biographical Sketch)
Mid-year transfer from North Texas who, enrolled at East Carolina in January of 2026 … Earned first varsity letter from North Texas in 2025 … Played in 15 career games (3/2024, 12/2025) … Rushed for 383 yards on 58 carries with five touchdowns … Recorded first career 100-yard rushing game against San Diego State (152 yards) in 2025 Isleta New Mexico Bowl.
2026 (East Carolina): Named to Doak Walker Preseason Watch List … Preseason All-American Conference selection by Athlon Sports (second team).
2025 (North Texas): Played in 12 games during second year with the program (did not play vs. Western Michigan, South Alabama) … Rushed for 383 yards on 58 carries (6.5 ypr) … Tallied five rushing touchdowns which was tied for second-best on the team … Caught one pass out of the backfield for nine yards … Scored 32 points on the season including a two-point conversion (rush) … Stood fourth on the team in total offense (377) on 59 offensive plays … Recorded 386 all-purpose yards … Against San Diego State in the Isleta New Mexico Bowl, set established personal-bests in carries (16), rushing yards (152), touchdowns (two) and longest rush (51) … Notched his first career 100-yard rushing game against the Aztecs … Scored on runs of 17 yards (1Q) and 51 yards (2Q) in the bowl game … Also rushing scores on the season against Charlotte (32 yards), Rice (11 yards) and Tulane (9 yards) which was in the American Conference Championship Game … Tallied 161 total yards against San Diego State (152 rush, 9 rcv).
The Pirates will open the 2026 season on Saturday, Sept. 5 when it travels to Tuscaloosa, Ala. to take on Alabama at Saban Field inside Bryant-Denny Stadium. Kickoff is slated for 12 noon (ET) and will be televised on ABC. Season ticket orders are currently on sale, with packages starting at just $75 for the six-game home slate at Dowdy-Ficklen Stadium this fall. To purchase new season tickets, visit ECUPirates.com or contact the ECU Athletics Ticket Office at (252) 737-4500 during normal business hours (Monday – Friday, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.).