Two HBCU Stars Land on Walter Payton Award Watch List and One of Them Was Hurt Last Year

Alabama State quarterback Andrew Body and North Carolina Central wide receiver Chance Peterson made the preseason watch list for the Walter Payton Award, which goes to the best offensive player in FCS football. The list dropped Tuesday from Opta Analyst and Stats Perform, and it’s loaded with standout names across the subdivision.

Body was rolling in 2025 before an injury cut his season short. He threw for 1,770 yards and 20 touchdowns against just one interception. He also ran for 518 yards and four scores. That production helped Alabama State finish second in the SWAC East, one game back of Jackson State — which clinched the division after beating the Hornets in early October. If Body stays healthy, he’s a legit threat to win the whole thing this year.

Peterson is a different kind of weapon. He broke out as a big-play guy for the Eagles in his second season, hauling in 48 catches for 720 yards and a touchdown. He also returned kicks and punts, showing versatility that scouts like. This is his third year at NCCU, and expectations are high.

The Walter Payton Award has been around since 1987, named after the legendary Jackson State running back who went on to become an NFL Hall of Famer. It’s a big deal in FCS circles, and having two HBCU names on the initial watch list matters — especially after a few years where conference talent got overlooked nationally.

Full Watch List Highlights

The list runs deep at quarterback and running back, but here’s the key takeaway: Body and Peterson earned their spots before the season even started. That’s not nothing. For HBCU programs fighting for recognition beyond the Celebration Bowl, preseason honors like this build credibility.

Body’s numbers before the injury were video-game level. Twenty touchdowns, one pick, over 2,200 total yards from scrimmage. If he stays upright, Alabama State could push for a SWAC title and maybe more. Peterson gives Central a downfield threat that opens up the whole offense.

The full list includes dozens of names across FCS, but these two are the ones HBCU fans will track closest. No word yet on when the winner gets announced, but December is the usual timeline.