TicketsCINCINNATI — Cincinnati running back Cole Tabb has been selected as the Doak Walker National Running Back of the Week for games played the weekend of Oct. 24, the PwC SMU Athletic Forum announced Tuesday.
Tabb rushed for a career-high 173 yards on 16 carries and scored two touchdowns to lead Cincinnati past No. 8 Texas Tech, 37-24, at Nippert Stadium.
Averaging 10.8 yards per carry, Tabb delivered the decisive blow with a career-long 58-yard touchdown run in the fourth quarter, becoming the first player to score a rushing touchdown against Texas Tech this season. He also hauled in a 4-yard touchdown reception in the second quarter for his fourth multi-touchdown performance of the year.
"Cole Tabb had a Cole Tabb day," Cincinnati head coach Scott Satterfield said following the win. "He’s been doing it week in and week out."
The performance marked Tabb's second consecutive 100-yard rushing performance, making him the first opposing running back to eclipse the century mark against Texas Tech since West Virginia's Jahiem White on Nov. 30, 2024. Tabb's 173 rushing yards were the most by a Cincinnati running back against a ranked opponent since Jerome Ford gained 187 against Houston on Dec. 4, 2021.
Tabb joined Ford and Desmond Ridder as the only Cincinnati players to rush for at least 170 yards against a ranked opponent since 1996. His total stands as the third-highest rushing output against a ranked opponent nationally this season.
Tabb joined Ford and Desmond Ridder as the only Cincinnati players to rush for at least 170 yards against a ranked opponent since 1996. His total stands as the third-highest rushing output against a ranked opponent nationally this season.
Tabb was also named Big 12 Offensive Player of the Week on Monday.
The Fort Walton Beach, Fla., native leads the Big 12 with an impressive 9.6 yards per carry average. Tabb has rushed 65 times for 621 yards this season. To officially qualify for the national lead, Tabb must average 10 carries per game. With 15 carries on Saturday, he would reach that benchmark should he maintain his rushing average.
Tabb is tied for fourth nationally with 12 total touchdowns (nine rushing, three receiving).
The Doak Walker Award, a member of the National College Football Awards Association (NCFAA), has recognized the nation's top running back since 1990 and selects a National Running Back of the Week every Tuesday.
For more information, visit DoakWalkerAward.com or follow the award on X (@DoakWalkerAward).