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Messer Makes Hornung Award Watch List
8/9/2026 9:12:00 AM | Football
BOCA RATON, Fla. – For the third consecutive season, Florida Atlantic football's fifth-year WR Easton Messer is on the Paul Hornung Award watch list presented by Texas Roadhouse.
The annual honor by the Louisville Sports Commission, named after Hall of Famer Paul Hornung, is bestowed to the most versatile player in college football. Messer epitomizes that versatility with ability as a receiver, runner and returner, even showcasing success at passing.
In 2025, his first season as an Owl, the second-team All-Conference recipient finished No. 20 nationwide in All-Purpose yards per game (112.50). This came primarily from receiving and punt returning. He recorded 104 receptions (second all-time in a single season in program history and No. 1 among all FBS players), for 1,052 yards (third all-time in program history). He also averaged a program single-season best 20.8 yards per punt return while recording a long of 60.
His versatility did not end there. Messer became the first player in Florida Atlantic history to receive, run, and throw for a touchdown all in one season, hauling in six scoring receptions, going untouched on the ground for 39 yards into the end zone, and connecting on a 48-yard-deep pass for a touchdown.
Messer has received recognition all summer, with first-team selections on the Phil Steele and Athlon Magazine's preseason All-Conference teams as well as a spot on the East-West Bowl 1,000.
The Owls enter their second week of fall camp with a matchup against Florida officially kicking off their 2026 season on Sept. 5 at Florida.
ABOUT THE PAUL HORNUNG AWARD
Now in its 17th season, the Paul Hornung Award is given annually to the most versatile player in major college football by the Louisville Sports Commission in memory of the late football legend and Louisville native Paul Hornung. The winner will be honored in March 2027 at the annual Paul Hornung Award dinner presented by UofL Health at the Galt House Hotel in downtown Louisville. For information regarding tickets or sponsorship opportunities, contact Julie Howell at 502-376-6450 or jhowell@louisvillesports.org.
2026 COMPLETE SCHEDULE
Click HERE.
2026 SUMMER PROSPECTUS
Click HERE.
2026 ROSTER, COACHES AND SUPPORT STAFF
Click HERE.
PURCHASE YOUR 2026 SEASON TICKETS NOW
2026 Florida Atlantic Football season tickets are now sale. Tickets start at $75 plus a $5 processing charge per seat, along with various premium seating options. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit HERE, email tickets@fau.edu, or call 1-866-FAU-OWLS during normal business hours to order tickets or speak with a ticket sales representative.
FOLLOW THE TEAM
Stay informed by reading FAUSports.com or through football's Twitter and Instagram accounts @FAUFootball.
The annual honor by the Louisville Sports Commission, named after Hall of Famer Paul Hornung, is bestowed to the most versatile player in college football. Messer epitomizes that versatility with ability as a receiver, runner and returner, even showcasing success at passing.
In 2025, his first season as an Owl, the second-team All-Conference recipient finished No. 20 nationwide in All-Purpose yards per game (112.50). This came primarily from receiving and punt returning. He recorded 104 receptions (second all-time in a single season in program history and No. 1 among all FBS players), for 1,052 yards (third all-time in program history). He also averaged a program single-season best 20.8 yards per punt return while recording a long of 60.
His versatility did not end there. Messer became the first player in Florida Atlantic history to receive, run, and throw for a touchdown all in one season, hauling in six scoring receptions, going untouched on the ground for 39 yards into the end zone, and connecting on a 48-yard-deep pass for a touchdown.
Messer has received recognition all summer, with first-team selections on the Phil Steele and Athlon Magazine's preseason All-Conference teams as well as a spot on the East-West Bowl 1,000.
The Owls enter their second week of fall camp with a matchup against Florida officially kicking off their 2026 season on Sept. 5 at Florida.
ABOUT THE PAUL HORNUNG AWARD
Now in its 17th season, the Paul Hornung Award is given annually to the most versatile player in major college football by the Louisville Sports Commission in memory of the late football legend and Louisville native Paul Hornung. The winner will be honored in March 2027 at the annual Paul Hornung Award dinner presented by UofL Health at the Galt House Hotel in downtown Louisville. For information regarding tickets or sponsorship opportunities, contact Julie Howell at 502-376-6450 or jhowell@louisvillesports.org.
2026 COMPLETE SCHEDULE
Click HERE.
2026 SUMMER PROSPECTUS
Click HERE.
2026 ROSTER, COACHES AND SUPPORT STAFF
Click HERE.
PURCHASE YOUR 2026 SEASON TICKETS NOW
2026 Florida Atlantic Football season tickets are now sale. Tickets start at $75 plus a $5 processing charge per seat, along with various premium seating options. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit HERE, email tickets@fau.edu, or call 1-866-FAU-OWLS during normal business hours to order tickets or speak with a ticket sales representative.
FOLLOW THE TEAM
Stay informed by reading FAUSports.com or through football's Twitter and Instagram accounts @FAUFootball.
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