The Paul Hornung Award, named after the legendary football player Paul Hornung, is an annual accolade that honors the most versatile player in college football. Established in 2010 by the Louisville Sports Commission, the award aims to recognize high-level performers who exhibit exceptional versatility on the field, reflecting Hornung's own multi-faceted playing style during his career at Notre Dame and with the Green Bay Packers.
Paul Hornung, known as "the Golden Boy," was a standout athlete who played multiple positions, including halfback, quarterback, and kicker. His remarkable versatility and impact on the game made him a fitting namesake for this award. The award not only celebrates individual talent but also aims to preserve Hornung's legacy as one of the most versatile players in football history.
Paul Hornung award winners year by year
| Year | Player | Positions | School |
| 2010 | Owen Marecic | FB, LB | Stanford |
| 2011 | Brandon Boykin | WR, CB, RS | Georgia |
| 2012 | Tavon Austin | WR, RB, RS | West Virginia |
| 2013 | Odell Beckham Jr. | WR, RS | LSU |
| 2014 | Shaq Thompson | RB, LB, S | Washington |
| 2015 | Christian McCaffrey | RB, RS | Stanford |
| 2016 | Jabrill Peppers | QB, WR, RB, LB, DB, RS | Michigan |
| 2017 | Saquon Barkley | RB, RS | Penn State |
| 2018 | Rondale Moore | WR, RS | Purdue |
| 2019 | Lynn Bowden | QB, WR, RS | Kentucky |
| 2020 | DeVonta Smith | WR, RS | Alabama |
| 2021 | Marcus Jones | WR, CB, RS | Houston |
| 2022 | Jack Colletto | QB, FB, LB, ST | Oregon State |
| 2023 | Travis Hunter | WR, CB | Colorado |
| 2024 | Travis Hunter | WR, CB | Colorado |
FAQ on Paul Hornung Award Winners
A. Colorado's Travis Hunter wins the Paul Hornung Award as the most versatile player in CFB -- for the second year in a row. Hunter led the Big 12 in receptions (92), receiving touchdowns (12), and was second in receiving yards (1,152) at wide receiver in 2024.
A. Hornung was elected to the Green Bay Packers Hall of Fame in 1975, the College Football Hall of Fame in 1985, the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1986, and the Wisconsin Athletic Hall of Fame in 1990.
A. Said to have a "nose for the end zone," Hornung scored 760 points in nine seasons on 62 touchdowns, 190 PATs and 66 field goals. As his record clearly shows, Paul did more than just score points. He gained 3,711 yards rushing and 1,480 yards on pass receptions.
