Photo by: Erik Williams
11/10/2026 12:30:00 PM | Football
Running back posts second career 100-yard rushing game, adds touchdown in Cincinnati win
HOUSTON – A week after being named to the Comeback Player of the Year Midseason Watch List, Houston Football running back Re'Shaun Sanford II earned the award's Comeback Player of the Week honors on Tuesday.
Sanford rushed for 126 yards, setting a new program record for Houston in a Big 12 Conference game, while adding a touchdown in the team's win over Cincinnati. His 51-yard touchdown run was the Cougars' fourth longest rushing play in a Big 12 game since joining the league in 2023. The 126-yard game was also the most by a Cougar in a conference game since Stacy Sneed posted 143 against Temple on Nov. 12, 2022.
The junior averaged 8.4 yards per carry (15-126), the highest average with at least 15 carries since Patrick Carr averaged 8.7 (16-139) against North Texas on Sept. 28, 2019. It was the first time a Cougar has done so in a conference game since Greg Ward Jr. averaged 9.1 (20-182) against Tulsa on Oct. 3, 2015.
The Harker Heights, Texas, native has helped Houston rank 17th in the nation with 207.7 rushing yards per game. The team's 241 rushing yards against the Bearcats were the 17th most in the country during the week and third most in the Big 12.
Sanford was named to the Comeback Player of the Year Midseason Watch List last week after a hot start to his junior season. The running back missed last season with his second collegiate ACL injury, also missing his true freshman season.
ABOUT THE COMEBACK PLAYER OF THE YEAR
Since 2018, the award has recognized college football student-athletes for overcoming injury, illness, or other circumstances. At the conclusion of each season, in a vote by a panel of college football writers, editors, and sports information directors, three college football student-athletes are honored as Comeback Player of the Year Award winners at the Vrbo Fiesta Bowl.
SINGLE-GAME TICKETS
Don't miss any of the action. Purchase single-game tickets today by clicking here.
SUPPORT YOUR COOGS
Fans can make a direct impact on the success of Houston Football by providing NIL opportunities and by joining The Huddle which provides financial support directly to Houston Football for needs beyond its operating budget.
STAY CONNECTED
Fans can receive updates by following @UHCougarFB on X, formerly known as Twitter, and catch up with the latest news and notes on the team by clicking LIKE on the team's Facebook page at Houston Cougar Football. Fans can also follow the team on Instagram at uhcougarfb.
Sanford rushed for 126 yards, setting a new program record for Houston in a Big 12 Conference game, while adding a touchdown in the team's win over Cincinnati. His 51-yard touchdown run was the Cougars' fourth longest rushing play in a Big 12 game since joining the league in 2023. The 126-yard game was also the most by a Cougar in a conference game since Stacy Sneed posted 143 against Temple on Nov. 12, 2022.
The junior averaged 8.4 yards per carry (15-126), the highest average with at least 15 carries since Patrick Carr averaged 8.7 (16-139) against North Texas on Sept. 28, 2019. It was the first time a Cougar has done so in a conference game since Greg Ward Jr. averaged 9.1 (20-182) against Tulsa on Oct. 3, 2015.
The Harker Heights, Texas, native has helped Houston rank 17th in the nation with 207.7 rushing yards per game. The team's 241 rushing yards against the Bearcats were the 17th most in the country during the week and third most in the Big 12.
Sanford was named to the Comeback Player of the Year Midseason Watch List last week after a hot start to his junior season. The running back missed last season with his second collegiate ACL injury, also missing his true freshman season.
ABOUT THE COMEBACK PLAYER OF THE YEAR
Since 2018, the award has recognized college football student-athletes for overcoming injury, illness, or other circumstances. At the conclusion of each season, in a vote by a panel of college football writers, editors, and sports information directors, three college football student-athletes are honored as Comeback Player of the Year Award winners at the Vrbo Fiesta Bowl.
SINGLE-GAME TICKETS
Don't miss any of the action. Purchase single-game tickets today by clicking here.
SUPPORT YOUR COOGS
Fans can make a direct impact on the success of Houston Football by providing NIL opportunities and by joining The Huddle which provides financial support directly to Houston Football for needs beyond its operating budget.
STAY CONNECTED
Fans can receive updates by following @UHCougarFB on X, formerly known as Twitter, and catch up with the latest news and notes on the team by clicking LIKE on the team's Facebook page at Houston Cougar Football. Fans can also follow the team on Instagram at uhcougarfb.
–– UHCougars.com ––
Players Mentioned
RB
/ Football
RB
/ FootballMonday, November 09
Monday, November 02
Sunday, October 25
Monday, October 19