Tennessee Football Star Snubbed From a National List

Despite making an All-SEC team this player is still fighting for respect

Tennessee running back DeSean Bishop (18) and wide receiver Ben Petermann (35) celebrate after Bishop scores a touchdown in an NCAA college football game against Vanderbilt on Nov. 29, 2025, in Knoxville, Tennessee. | USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect

The Doak Walker Award watch list came out for the 2026 college football season, and somehow there is a notable name missing. If you are not familiar, the Doak Walker Award is given to the nation's top running back each year.

The watch list was released, and there are 60 different names, but no Tennessee Volunteer is on that list. According to the Doak Walker Award, DeSean Bishop is not a top 60 running back in the nation. This is something anyone who has watched Tennessee football would passionately dispute.

Making The Case For Bishop to Be Included

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 watch list snub gets even more unbelievable the more you look at it. Last season, Bishop rushed for 1,076 yards (29th in the nation), 16 Touchdowns (tied for 6th), and averaged 5.9 yards per carry (34th). If those numbers alone are not enough to get on the list of top 60 running backs, add in the total carries. Bishop rushed the ball 182 times last season, which ranked him 43rd.

So, not only did Bishop produce great stats, but he also did it efficiently. Not many running backs can boast that resume, let alone 60 other running backs.

The snub is comical when you see that Bishop is on the watch list for two awards given to several players, not limited to only running backs. So, while Bishop is being recognized as one of the best players in the sport, he is simultaneously being snubbed from the top 60 at his position.

Who is DeSean Bishop

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

DeSean Bishop is entering his 4th year at the University of Tennessee. He is an RS–Junior after redshirting his freshman year due to injury. Due to this, he does have 2 years of eligibility remaining. He will be entering his second year as the starter and looks to build on his stellar last season, which saw him make the 2025 All-SEC Second Team.  

Bishop is an easy player to root for because he started his career as a walk-on who has earned his way all the way to being one of the premier players in the SEC. Despite his spot being secure, he still runs like he has a chip on his shoulder and something to prove.

With him being snubbed from the Doak Walker Award watch list, you can expect that Bishop will continue to prove people wrong and earn the respect he ultimately deserves.