Rutgers running back Antwan Raymond was honored with the 2025 Jon Cornish Trophy on Wednesday, recognizing him as the top Canadian player in NCAA football. Hailing from Montreal, Raymond made history as the first Quebec-born player to receive this prestigious award. Throughout the season, Raymond showcased his skills by rushing for 1,241 yards with an impressive 5.1-yard average, scoring 13 touchdowns. Additionally, he contributed 18 receptions for 225 yards and two more touchdowns.
Raymond’s outstanding performance also earned him a spot as a semifinalist for the Doak Walker Award, an accolade presented annually to the best running back in NCAA football. One of his notable games included a remarkable 240-yard rushing display on 41 carries against Maryland earlier in the season.
This victory places Raymond among elite company, joining the likes of previous Jon Cornish Trophy recipients Chuba Hubbard in 2019 and Chase Brown in 2022, both of whom are currently playing in the NFL. Expressing his gratitude, Raymond stated, “It’s an honor to be recognized alongside running backs like [Chase] Brown and Chuba [Hubbard] by winning this award.”
Among the other finalists for the Jon Cornish Trophy were Ottawa’s Akheem Mesidor, Miami’s defensive lineman, along with Vancouver’s Ty Benefield, a safety at Boise State, Edmonton’s Nuer Gatkuoth, a defensive lineman at Wake Forest, and Rutgers safety Jett Elad from Mississauga, Ontario.
Raymond’s success further solidifies the presence of Canadian talent at Rutgers, with notable players like Elad, linebacker Dariel Djabome, and defensive linemen Djbril Abudo-Rahman and Farrell Gnagno. Reflecting on the achievement, Raymond emphasized the camaraderie within the Canadian contingent at Rutgers, stating, “It means a lot, with the other Canadians on this team. We all support each other when it feels like we’re far away from home.”
The Jon Cornish Trophy, named after the former standout player from New Westminster, B.C., who excelled at Kansas and the Calgary Stampeders, has been a symbol of excellence for Canadian players in NCAA football. Commenting on Raymond’s victory, Jim Mullin, trustee/chair of the Cornish Trophy, highlighted Raymond’s exceptional performance that led to his unanimous selection as the top Canadian player in NCAA football.
