FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Nov. 4, 2026

 

 

 

PITTSBURGH—Running back Damon Ferguson Jr. has been named one of 14 semifinalists for the Shaun Alexander Freshman of the Year Award, presented by the Maxwell Football Club to the nation’s outstanding freshman college football player.

 

Ferguson is one of three running backs selected as semifinalists for the ninth annual award, which recognizes players for their talent, character and impact on their teams.

 

The true freshman leads Pitt with 662 rushing yards and six rushing touchdowns through nine games, averaging 5.4 yards per carry. He has produced three 100-yard rushing performances and totaled 775 yards from scrimmage with seven touchdowns.

 

Ferguson also earned ACC Rookie of the Week honors this week, following his career-best performance in Pitt’s bowl-clinching 34-11 victory over Georgia Tech. He established career highs with 185 rushing yards, 31 carries and two rushing touchdowns, adding an 11-yard reception to finish with a game-high 196 all-purpose yards.

 

The Gwynn Oak, Md., native led all ACC players and all FBS freshmen in rushing for the week, ranking sixth nationally. His 185 yards were the most by a Panther since Ja’Kyrian Turner rushed for 201 at Georgia Tech on November 22, 2025.

 

Ferguson gained 112 yards in the first half against the Yellow Jackets, helping Pitt build a 17-3 halftime lead. He accounted for nearly two-thirds of the Panthers’ season-high 281 rushing yards.

 

Over Pitt’s past three games, Ferguson has rushed for 343 yards and three touchdowns, averaging 6.0 yards per attempt. His other 100-yard performances this season came against Syracuse (102) and Boston College (119).

 

Finalists for the Shaun Alexander Freshman of the Year Award will be announced December 2, with the winner revealed December 28. The award will be formally presented at the Maxwell Football Club Awards on March 13, 2027, at the Coca-Cola Roxy in Atlanta.

 

Named for the former Alabama standout and Seattle Seahawks running back, the award has recognized college football’s top freshman since 2018. Previous winners include Trevor Lawrence, Will Anderson Jr., Brock Bowers, Drake Maye and Caleb Downs.