LOUISVILLE, Ky. – Texas State wide receiver and return specialist Beau Sparks has been named to the preseason edition Paul Hornung Award Watch List, the Louisville Sports Commission announced Monday. The award, which is presented by Texas Roadhouse, recognizes and rewards the most versatile, high-level performers in major college football.

Sparks enters the 2026 season following one of the most productive seasons by a receiver in TXST history. The El Paso, Texas, native became the first player in Texas State's FBS history to surpass 1,000 receiving yards in a season in 2025, finishing with a school-record 84 receptions for 1,200 yards and 10 touchdowns. His 1,200 receiving yards ranked sixth nationally and first in the Sun Belt, while his 10 receiving touchdowns ranked 12th nationally and second in the conference.

Sparks also contributed in the rushing and return games, recording six carries for 74 yards and a touchdown while adding 13 punt returns for 72 yards. He finished the season with 1,346 all-purpose yards and scored 66 points. His 186 receiving yards at Louisiana and 168-yard performance at Marshall both rank among the top 10 single-game receiving performances in Texas State history.

The 2025 All-Sun Belt First Team wide receiver also made his mark as a return specialist in 2024. Sparks set the Texas State single-game record with 200 punt return yards against Troy and recorded a 66.7-yard average on three punt returns, an NCAA record for highest average gain in a game with a minimum of three returns. He also returned a punt for a touchdown during the season.

The Paul Hornung Award was established in 2010 by the Louisville Sports Commission in honor of the late Paul Hornung, a Louisville native and College and Pro Football Hall of Famer renowned for his versatility. The award's selection process emphasizes players who make significant contributions in multiple roles and who elevate their teams through their versatility and performance.

The Paul Hornung Award Watch List is assembled by a panel of college football experts, while players are recognized throughout the season on the weekly Paul Hornung Award Honor Roll based on their performances.