University of Delaware Athletics
Photo by: Mikey Reeves
Football’s Ellison Jr. and Lofton Named to 2026 Earl Campbell Tyler Rose Award Preseason Watchlist
8/25/2026 2:24:00 PM | Football
TYLER, Texas – University of Delaware football RB Viron Ellison Jr. and WR Da'Wain Lofton have been named to the 2026 Earl Campbell Tyler Rose Award Preseason Watchlist, SPORTyler, Inc. announced Tuesday. Ellison Jr. and Lofton are the first players in program history to make the Earl Campbell Tyler Rose Award Watchlist.
The Earl Campbell Tyler Rose Award recognizes the top offensive player in Division I football who also exhibits the enduring characteristics that define Earl Campbell: integrity, performance, teamwork, sportsmanship, drive, community, and tenacity. In addition, the nominee must meet one or more of the following criteria: played football at and graduated from a Texas high school and/or currently playing at Texas DI four-year college.
Ellison Jr., a native of Dallas, Texas and a graduate of Lewisville High School, appeared in 13 games with four starts in his first season in Newark in 2025. He had 118 carries for 460 yards and four touchdowns with 21 catches for 191 yards and two touchdowns through the air.
Lofton, a native of Fort Worth, Texas and a graduate of North Side High School, transferred to Delaware after spending two seasons at Oklahoma State and three seasons at Virginia Tech. Over his collegiate career, he's appeared in 41 games with 12 starts, including all 11 games in 2022 for the Hokies. Lofton has accounted for 42 receptions for 560 yards and three touchdowns.
TICKET INFORMATION
Get your 2026 Delaware Football season tickets now by visiting bluehens.com/fbtickets.
FOLLOW ON SOCIAL
For the latest on Delaware football, follow the Fightin' Blue Hens on X, Instagram, and like on Facebook.
The Earl Campbell Tyler Rose Award recognizes the top offensive player in Division I football who also exhibits the enduring characteristics that define Earl Campbell: integrity, performance, teamwork, sportsmanship, drive, community, and tenacity. In addition, the nominee must meet one or more of the following criteria: played football at and graduated from a Texas high school and/or currently playing at Texas DI four-year college.
Ellison Jr., a native of Dallas, Texas and a graduate of Lewisville High School, appeared in 13 games with four starts in his first season in Newark in 2025. He had 118 carries for 460 yards and four touchdowns with 21 catches for 191 yards and two touchdowns through the air.
Lofton, a native of Fort Worth, Texas and a graduate of North Side High School, transferred to Delaware after spending two seasons at Oklahoma State and three seasons at Virginia Tech. Over his collegiate career, he's appeared in 41 games with 12 starts, including all 11 games in 2022 for the Hokies. Lofton has accounted for 42 receptions for 560 yards and three touchdowns.
TICKET INFORMATION
Get your 2026 Delaware Football season tickets now by visiting bluehens.com/fbtickets.
FOLLOW ON SOCIAL
For the latest on Delaware football, follow the Fightin' Blue Hens on X, Instagram, and like on Facebook.
Players Mentioned
RB
/ Football
WR
/ FootballFriday, December 19
Saturday, November 29
Monday, November 24
Tuesday, November 18
