NEW HAVEN, Conn -- Senior running back Josh Pitsenberger has been named one of the 30 finalists for the 2025 Walter Payton Award, which is presented to the national offensive player of the year in Division I FCS college football.

Pitsenberger finished his senior regular season as the top running back in the Ivy League, totaling 1,238 yards on 255 carries and 15 touchdowns, leading in each category. His rushing yard total also puts him at ninth in the country for that category. He also cemented himself in the Yale record books, finishing the regular season in third place all-time for rushing yards (3,102) and second for rushing touchdowns (37) in a career.

Other Ivy League finalists for this award include Harvard quarterback Jaden Craig and Penn wide receiver Jared Richardson. 

The Walter Payton Award is in its 39th season and is named for the legendary running back who starred at Jackson State as part of his Hall of Fame career. Past recipients include Steve McNair, Tony Romo, Brian Westbrook, Jimmy Garoppolo, Cooper Kupp, Taylor Heinicke and Trey Lance.

All 13 FCS conferences are represented by a finalist. The winner, to be selected by a national voting panel, will be announced at the Stats Perform FCS National Awards Show on Jan. 3 in Nashville, Tennessee.