Desean Bishop Responds to Being Left off Doak Walker Award Watchlist

What Desean Bishop said after being left off the watchlist for the Doak Walker Award

Jul 20, 2026; Tampa, FL, USA; Tennessee Volunteers running back Desean Bishop (18) speaks to the press during SEC Football Kickoff Media Day at the Tampa Marriott. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

The 2026 college football season is just a few weeks away, and with that, preseason All-Americans and preseason award watchlists are being announced. Tennessee seems to have gotten the short end of the stick with some of the awards, as some notable Vols players have been disrespected by being left off the watchlist.

Desean Bishop left off Doak Walker Award Watchlist

Dec 30, 2025; Nashville, TN, USA; Tennessee Volunteers running back Desean Bishop (18) runs with the ball after a made catch against the Illinois Fighting Illini during the second half at Nissan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Roberts-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

The Doak Walker Award is awarded to the best running back in the country at the end of every season.

60 players were recently named to the “watchlist” for the award. Of the 60 players, including six SEC running backs, Desean Bishop was not one of the names on the list.

This comes as a major shock, as Bishop ran for over 1,000 yards last season, and with Tennessee getting a young starter at quarterback, regardless of who starts, there is a good chance his numbers are just going to increase this season because he will be getting more usage.

Not only that, but Bishop has put on a ton of muscle over the offseason, and looks like a completely different player.

To say that Bishop is not a top 60 running back in the country is just disrespectful, to be frank. Some names that did make the list seem unfair to include if you are leaving off Bishop. Even a running back who did not even rush for 300 yards last season (Peyton Lewis) made the list over Bishop.

The former walk-on could very easily end up being the best running back in the SEC this fall, and potentially the country.

Desean Bishop Responds to the Disrespect

Nov 22, 2025; Gainesville, Florida, USA; Tennessee Volunteers running back Desean Bishop (18) rushes with the ball against the Florida Gators during the first half at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

When asked about being left off the watchlist during his media availability today, here is what Bishop said.

“I just have to prove it to Christ. I don’t seek the worldly view. At the end of the day, it is what it is. In 20 years, I don’t think anyone is going to look back and talk about me playing football.”

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