AMES, Iowa – Abu Sama III has been named to the 2024 Doak Walker Award preseason candidate list, the PwC SMU Athletic Forum announced Tuesday.

A 247Sports True Freshman All-America Team selection in 2023, Sama rushed for 614 yards and six touchdowns in his first collegiate season. His 614 yards were the third-most by a freshman in school history while his six scores tied for the third-most.

The Des Moines, Iowa native averaged 7.3 yards per carry which set a new freshman single-season school record. Sama showed he possesses big-play ability with five touchdowns of 50 yards or more last year, the most in a single season at ISU dating back to 1971.

Tickets for the 2024 football season are on sale now with a slate that features Kansas State and a Homecoming showdown with Texas Tech as well as others. Fans can purchase season tickets for as low as $299, while mini-packs, single-game tickets and parking are also on sale.

The Cyclones open the season August 31 against 2023 FCS Playoff qualifier North Dakota.