Mason named to Walter Payton Award Watch List

July 15, 2026

South Dakota State’s Chase Mason prepares to throw a pass during a 7-on-7 drill at the Sanford Jackrabbit Athletic Complex in Brookings on Saturday. The 7-on-7 drill was part of SDSU’s spring game, which concluded spring practices for the Jackrabbits.

From SDSU Sports Information

CHICAGO — South Dakota State quarterback Chase Mason is one of 30 players who has been named to the initial watch list for the Walter Payton Award, which is presented annually by Stats Perform to the top offensive performer in the Football Championship Subdivision.

A senior from Hurley, Mason enters his second season as the Jackrabbits' starting quarterback in 2026. Limited to nine games in 2025 due to injury, Mason led SDSU to an 8-1 record in his starts and accounted for 21 touchdowns — 15 passing and six rushing. He also completed 64.9 percent (146-of-225) of his passes for 2,005 yards.

The official watch list for the Stats Perform FCS Walter Payton Award will be updated periodically throughout the season. The award celebrates its 40th anniversary this season.

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