Former Wake Forest RB Wins Super Bowl MVP

Kenneth Walker III led the Seahawks to victory over the Patriots with a standout performance.

Published on Feb. 9, 2026

Kenneth Walker III, a former running back for the Wake Forest Demon Deacons, was named Super Bowl MVP after leading the Seattle Seahawks to a 29-13 victory over the New England Patriots. Walker rushed for 135 yards on 27 carries and added 26 receiving yards in the game.

Why it matters

Walker's Super Bowl MVP performance is a testament to the talent that can come out of the Wake Forest football program. His success at the highest level of the sport will likely inspire current and future Demon Deacons to strive for similar achievements.

The details

Walker played at Wake Forest from 2019 to 2020, where he had a standout career. As a freshman, he finished second on the team in rushing yards with 579 and set a school record with a 96-yard touchdown run. In his sophomore season, he had 579 rushing yards and 13 touchdowns in just 8 games. After two great seasons with the Deacs, Walker transferred to Michigan State, where he had a breakout year and was selected in the second round of the 2022 NFL Draft by the Seattle Seahawks.

  • Walker played at Wake Forest from 2019 to 2020.
  • He was named Super Bowl MVP on February 9, 2026.

The players

Kenneth Walker III

A former running back for the Wake Forest Demon Deacons who was named Super Bowl MVP after leading the Seattle Seahawks to victory over the New England Patriots.

Wake Forest Demon Deacons

The football team of Wake Forest University, located in Winston-Salem, North Carolina.

Seattle Seahawks

An American professional football team based in Seattle, Washington, that competes in the National Football League.

New England Patriots

An American professional football team based in the Greater Boston region that competes in the National Football League.

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What’s next

The Demon Deacons will open their 2026 season on September 3 against the Akron Zips at Allegacy Stadium in Winston-Salem.

The takeaway

Kenneth Walker III's Super Bowl MVP performance showcases the talent that can come out of the Wake Forest football program and will likely inspire current and future Demon Deacons to strive for similar achievements at the highest level of the sport.