Oregon State University football players Van Wells and Salahadin Allah have been named to the preseason watch list for the Earl Campbell Tyler Rose Award. The award, created by Earl Campbell’s hometown of Tyler, Texas, is given annually to the top offensive player in Division I college football who demonstrates characteristics associated with the Pro Football Hall of Fame Enshrinee.
Wells joined Oregon State from Colorado before the 2024 season and immediately took a starting role on the Beavers’ offensive line. He started 11 games at center, contributing to an average of 189.2 rushing yards per game for Oregon State last season. According to ProFootballFocus statistics, Wells received a pass blocking grade of 79.9 and did not allow any sacks throughout the year. Wells is from Houston and was a three-star recruit out of high school.
Allah played his first season as a true freshman at Oregon State last year. He appeared in all 12 games as both a return specialist and reserve running back. After an injury sidelined starting rusher Jam Griffin early in October, Allah had increased responsibilities, ending the season with 55 carries for 258 yards, two receptions, and one rushing touchdown. He also returned four kickoffs with a long return of 26 yards. Allah was born in Houston and grew up in La Marque.
The Earl Campbell Tyler Rose Award requires recipients to have either been born in Texas or played Texas high school or college football.
Earl Campbell is known as one of football’s legends, described as playing every snap “like he was covered in barbed wire.” Each year his hometown recognizes athletes who demonstrate similar endurance and skill through this award.
