Photo by: Erik Williams
11/2/2026 2:00:00 PM | Football
Running back hit the ground running in return from second knee injury, setting a new career-high in rushing yards with four games remaining
HOUSTON – Houston Football running back Re'Shaun Sanford II has suffered two season-ending injuries in his career, but that hasn't stopped him from hitting the ground running this season, earning a spot on the Comeback Player of the Year Midseason Watch List. Sanford was also noted as one of the list's top performers in the midseason update.
Sanford tore his ACL in his first collegiate fall camp, missing the 2023 season. He made his return to the field in 2024 where he appeared in all 12 games for Houston, starting six, while rushing for a team-leading 444 yards. He was one of five FBS freshmen with 400+ rushing yards and 150+ receiving yards and led Big 12 running backs by catching 18-of-19 targets (94.7 percent).
Sanford hit another setback in 2025 with another season-ending injury in fall camp, but has bounced back in a even bigger way this season. He's recorded 447 yards on the ground, surpassing his 2024 total, and two touchdowns while adding 11 receptions for 138 yards. He ranks third on the team in all-purpose yards and boasts over five yards per carry, ranking in the Top 10 in the Big 12 despite rolling in a two-man backfield, splitting time with Makhi Hughes.
The Harker Heights, Texas, native has posted team bests in single-game rushing yards, recording 120 yards against Georgia Southern for his first 100+ yard game, as well as total rushes (20 vs. Kansas State) and longest rush (56 vs. Oregon State).
ABOUT THE COMEBACK PLAYER OF THE YEAR AWARD
Awarded by College Sports Communicators in association with the Associated Press and the Fiesta Sports Foundation, the Comeback Player of the Year award has recognized college football student-athletes for overcoming injury, illness, or other circumstances since 2018. 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 ––
Sanford tore his ACL in his first collegiate fall camp, missing the 2023 season. He made his return to the field in 2024 where he appeared in all 12 games for Houston, starting six, while rushing for a team-leading 444 yards. He was one of five FBS freshmen with 400+ rushing yards and 150+ receiving yards and led Big 12 running backs by catching 18-of-19 targets (94.7 percent).
Sanford hit another setback in 2025 with another season-ending injury in fall camp, but has bounced back in a even bigger way this season. He's recorded 447 yards on the ground, surpassing his 2024 total, and two touchdowns while adding 11 receptions for 138 yards. He ranks third on the team in all-purpose yards and boasts over five yards per carry, ranking in the Top 10 in the Big 12 despite rolling in a two-man backfield, splitting time with Makhi Hughes.
The Harker Heights, Texas, native has posted team bests in single-game rushing yards, recording 120 yards against Georgia Southern for his first 100+ yard game, as well as total rushes (20 vs. Kansas State) and longest rush (56 vs. Oregon State).
ABOUT THE COMEBACK PLAYER OF THE YEAR AWARD
Awarded by College Sports Communicators in association with the Associated Press and the Fiesta Sports Foundation, the Comeback Player of the Year award has recognized college football student-athletes for overcoming injury, illness, or other circumstances since 2018. 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 ––
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