Herschel Turner Named Mountain West Offensive Player
The Nevada running back earned the conference honor following his standout performance in Saturday's victory.
Updated on Oct. 12, 2026 in Football
Wolf Pack fans saw Nevada secure a 30-13 win over UTEP this weekend behind a dominant performance from running back Herschel Turner. Following the victory, the Mountain West conference named Turner as the Offensive Player of the Week.
Why it matters
The recognition follows a career-defining outing that pushed the Wolf Pack to a key win and highlighted Turner's current role as a lead playmaker. He now ranks among the top rushers in the conference as the team continues its season.
Turner rushed for 192 yards on 19 carries during the UTEP game, contributing to Nevada's total of 274 rushing yards. He currently leads the Mountain West with a 7.3 yards-per-carry average.
The players
Herschel Turner
The Nevada running back who leads the team in rushing yards.
Joe McFadden
The Nevada kicker who contributed two field goals in the victory.
The details
Turner powered the Wolf Pack offense against UTEP, including a decisive 72-yard touchdown run in the third quarter that extended Nevada's lead to 23-7. Joe McFadden added to the scoring effort with two field goals as the team held a 13-7 advantage at halftime. This marks the first time since 2017 that a Nevada player has delivered such a high-volume performance on the ground.
Timeline
2017: The last time a Nevada player achieved a 200-yard rushing game.
Saturday: Nevada defeated UTEP with a score of 30-13.
Monday: The Mountain West named Herschel Turner Offensive Player of the Week.
The Truckee Meadows View
Turner's breakout performance mirrors the impact of historical Wolf Pack standouts who anchored the team's rushing attack. His production marks a return to the conference-leading benchmarks last set by the program in 2017.
Local fans can track Turner's quest to move higher in the Mountain West rushing rankings as the season progresses through conference play. Keep an eye on upcoming game schedules to see if the offense continues this level of ground production.
The takeaway
Turner now holds a 7.3 yards-per-carry average, making him a critical player to watch for the remainder of the schedule. Check the upcoming game schedule to follow how the offense adapts against future Mountain West opponents.
Further reading
For more updates on the season, visit our Football section.
