PITTSBURGH -- Duquesne senior quarterback Darius Perrantes has been named to the 2024 Walter Payton Award Preseason Watch List, announced by Stats Perform Tuesday morning. Perrantes, who was a finalist for the award in 2023, is one of 35 players and 10 past finalists on the watch list for the award which is presented annually to the national offensive player of the year in Division I FCS college football.

The award, in its 38th season and affectionately known as the Heisman of the FCS, is named for legendary running back Walter Payton, who starred at Jackson State as part of his Hall of Fame career. Past recipients include Steve McNair, Tony Romo, Brian Westbrook, Jimmy Garoppolo, Cooper Kupp and Trey Lance. 

Perrantes, a native of Los Angeles, Calif., returns to lead the Dukes offense after a breakout season last fall. The 2023 Northeast Conference first team selection led the league in passing touchdowns (21), yards (2,324 and 193.7 per game) and paced all of Division I football in passing yards per completion (17.74). A six-time NEC Prime Performer and once the offensive player of the week, Perrantes threw for three touchdowns in four games last season.

2024 DUKES FOOTBALL
The Dukes open the 2024 season on Thursday, August 29 at Toledo. The home opener is slated for September 21 and conference play opens on Homecoming & Family Weekend (Oct. 5) against LIU. View the full 2024 schedule here.

Season and single-game tickets are available now, click here for more information. 

Follow Duquesne football all season online at GoDuquesne.com, as well as on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook (@DuqFB).