TicketsCINCINNATI — Cincinnati offensive linemen Evan Tengesdahl and Taran Tyo have been named to the official Watch List for the 2026 Pony Express Award, as announced Thursday morning. Tengesdahl and Tyo represent the only offensive line tandem in the nation to be recognized on this year's watch list.
Created by SMU football legends Craig James and Eric Dickerson, the Pony Express Award is a regular-season honor presented annually to the most dynamic, selfless, and effective tandem in college football, regardless of position. Celebrating collaboration and true team excellence, the award emphasizes a "we" mindset over individual accolades, recognizing duos whose synergy directly drives their team's success.
This season, Tengesdahl and Tyo have anchored an offensive line paving the way for a rushing attack that ranks No. 12 nationally in rushing offense (230.8 YPG) and tied for No. 10 nationally with 17 rushing touchdowns.
Tengesdahl, a 325-pounder from Dayton, Ohio has started every game at left guard for the Bearcats since the start of 2025, earning AP All-America honors following last season.
Tyo, a fifth-year player from Greenville, Ohio, has anchored the Bearcats’ offensive line this season, his first season playing center kicking inside from starting at guard last season where he ranked seventh in the Big 12 among guards in PFF grade.
Running backs Gi’Bran Payne and Cole Tabb have enjoyed early-season success, combining for four individual 100-yard rushing performances and rushing for over 250 total yards in three of the first five games. Since, 1996 it was the first time the Bearcats have had three games with at least 250 yards rushing in the same month (September).
"Craig and Eric created this award to honor players who embody an unshakable team-first attitude," the award selection committee stated in the official announcement. "Whether it’s a quarterback and receiver with undeniable chemistry or two offensive linemen paving the way in unison, the Pony Express Award recognizes the power of true teamwork."
The mid-season watch list highlights top candidate duos across the nation, though additional tandems may be added as the regular season continues. The official winners of the 2026 Pony Express Award will be announced in December.
The Award
Presented by the Pony Express Huddle Foundation, the “Pony Express Award” is given to, and determined by, college football players, honoring college football’s outstanding tandem, regardless of position.
The Heisman – Maxwell – Thorpe – Groza – Walter Camp – Biletnikoff – and Doak Walker are all college football awards honoring individual players. Individuals described as most outstanding, the top, the best, the premier, most inspirational, and the most versatile.
But football is, at its core – a team game… The Pony Express Award pays tribute to teammates… Players who often sacrifice individual honor for team success, uplifting others on the field, off the field, and in life.
About Cincinnati Athletics
The University of Cincinnati Department of Athletics competes at the highest level of intercollegiate athletics with the vision to reach Next Level Success for all 18 varsity teams and more than 400 student-athletes. The Bearcats have a proud athletics history, winning eight national championships and 118 conference titles, and entered a new era as a member of the Big 12 in 2023. UC Athletics' mission is to connect our community, enhance our university and impact the lives of student-athletes as they prepare to change the world on and off the field.