NC State Offensive Star Lands on Another Award Watch List

One of NC State's most important offensive pieces landed on another notable award watchlist.

Sep 7, 2024; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; North Carolina State Wolfpack running back Hollywood Smothers (20) runs with the ball as Tennessee Volunteers defensive lineman Omari Thomas (21) defends during the second quarter at the Dukes Mayo Classic at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images | Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images

Just a few days after landing on the Paul Hornung watchlist for college football's most versatile player, North Carolina State running back Hollywood Smothers earned a spot on the Doak Walker Award Watch List Tuesday.

The award is presented to the best collegiate running back in the nation after each season. Boise State's Ashton Jeanty received the award for the 2024 season.

Nov 30, 2024; Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA; North Carolina State Wolfpack running back Hollywood Smothers (20) reacts with wide receiver Wesley Grimes (6) after scoring a touchdown with 25 seconds to go in the fourth quarter at Kenan Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images | Bob Donnan-Imagn Images

With his addition to the Doak Walker Watch List, Smothers became the fourth North Carolina State player to be featured on a preseason award watchlist so far this offseason. He joined quarterback CJ Bailey, tight end Justin Joly, and nose tackle Brandon Cleveland.

Smothers looks to be a key contributor for the 2025 Wolfpack, returning after a solid season in 2024. As a redshirt freshman, he became the team's starting running back for the final six games and earned the starting role for the 2025 season.

He rushed for 571 yards on 89 attempts and tallied six rushing touchdowns across 11 games. The dynamic back was also a nice safety valve for CJ Bailey in his freshman year, hauling in 19 catches for 263 yards and a pair of touchdowns.

Despite being a redshirt sophomore in just his second season with the team and first as a full-time starter, Smothers has embraced his new role as a voice in the locker room.

"Now I’m that guy that has to be first in the building, make sure my guys are held accountable and make sure everybody knows what they’re doing," Smothers said. "I'm just stepping more into the leadership role."

NC State RB Hollywood Smothers is taking shots at #UNC head coach Bill Belichick.

Smothers took an unofficial visit to UNC as a recruit out of West Charlotte. The Tar Heels never offered. pic.twitter.com/2FHfpW2ej8

— Grant Hughes (@GrantHughesNC) May 15, 2025

Smothers made waves in May when he posted a controversial Instagram story of a dart board with a photo of North Carolina head coach Bill Belichick taped to it. The post included a caption that read "Target Practice" above the dart board.

The running back seems to be bringing plenty of bulletin board material into the 2025 season, with his warning shot to Belichick and discussion of the team's ugly loss to ECU in the 2024 Military Bowl.

The Doak Walker nod for Smothers can serve as some positive influence in a sports world seemingly drawn to negativity and conflict. He'll have a chance to prove he belongs amongst the nation's top running backs in just a few weeks when the Wolfpack takes on ECU in a rematch of last season's bowl game.

Ensure you follow on X (Twitter) @WolfpackOnSI and @SennettTucker and never miss another breaking news story again.

Please let us know your thoughts when you like our Facebook page WHEN YOU CLICK RIGHT HERE.