Texas Tech's explosive backfield duo, Cameron Dickey and J'Koby Williams, shatter defensive lines, amassing nearly 2,000 yards and 20 touchdowns. They're poised for national recognition.
The Texas Tech Red Raiders offense in 2026 will be loaded with talent, both returning and from the transfer portal. In the running game, Texas Tech rushed for over 2,500 yards and 30 touchdowns, and averaged 182 yards per game on the ground.
The Red Raiders are blessed with two talented ball carriers that will be the tip of the spear of a balanced offense next season. They combined for 1,992 rushing yards and 20 touchdowns on their way to winning a Big 12 Conference title.
An official announcement is not due until later this summer, but this terrific tandem, Cameron Dickey and J’Koby Williams, is worthy of inclusion on a way-too-early Doak Walker Award watch list.
Cameron Dickey
Last season, Dickey led Texas Tech in rushing with 1,124 yards, 14 touchdowns and averaged 5.4 yards per carry. As a result, Dickey was a semifinalist for this coveted award. He also caught 25 passes for 224 yards and two more scores.
Dickey rushed for a season-high 263 yards and two touchdowns in a 42-17 win over Kansas. Four times last season, Dickey scored multiple touchdowns in a game. He led the Big 12 in rushing touchdowns and was third in rushing yards, and was named second-team All-Big 12.
J’Koby Williams
The other side of the Texas Tech two-headed rushing monster, Williams was second on the team in rushing with 868 yards, six touchdowns and averaged 5.6 yards per carry. He also caught 35 passes for 388 yards and two touchdowns.
Williams rushed for a season high 135 yards in a 43-17 win over Kansas State. For his efforts, Williams earned Honorable Mention All-Big 12 accolades.
The fact that both Dickey and Williams are good pass-catchers out of the backfield bodes well from an offensive scheme standpoint and will keep opposing defenses honest.
Coach Joey McGuire has built something special at Texas Tech. With Dickey and Williams returning, and the addition of No. 1 portal quarterback, Brendan Sorsby, the Red Raiders should be the favorite to repeat as the Big 12 champions.
The flying wedge of Dickey and Williams will carve out big yards on gridirons across the Big 12 and will leave would-be tacklers battered and beaten in their wake. This running back duo deserves to be on the official Doak Walker Award watch list when it comes out later this summer.