CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa -- Wartburg College football senior running back Dawson Rud has been tabbed as American Rivers Conference (A-R-C) Offensive Player of the Week, announced by the league Monday.

Rud (Mondovi, Wis./Mondovi High School) collected his second A-R-C honor of the season, rushing for 158 yards and three touchdowns on 24 carries in Wartburg's 33-14 road victory over the University of Dubuque last Saturday.

Rud helped lead the Knights to their 10th consecutive win over the Spartans, recording all three touchdowns on explosive runs of 25, 23 and 13 yards. 

His performance was particularly impressive against a Dubuque defense that had not allowed a 100-yard rusher in A-R-C play this season. In addition to the ground game, Rud also added one reception for six yards to finish with 164 yards from scrimmage and three total touchdowns.

Rud leads the A-R-C and ranks No. 6 in the nation with 12 rushing touchdowns this season (leads A-R-C), and No. 10 in Division III averaging 7.21 yards per carry. The senior halfback has accumulated 779 yards rushing to sit No. 2 in the league and No. 18 nationally, averaging 111.3 yards per game. Overall, Rud has found the endzone 14 total times so far this season to lead the A-R-C and rank as fifth-most in Division III.

The Mondovi, Wis., native is putting together a standout senior campaign, tallying 100-plus yard performances in six out of Wartburg's seven games this season on just 108 total carries – has scored in every game.

2026 WARTBURG POTW HONORS
LB Adam Link - Sept. 8
WR Drew Hobart - Sept. 21
RB Dawson Rud – Oct. 5
DL Jake Walker – Oct. 5
RB Dawson Rud – Oct. 26
 
The Knights are set to host the Simpson College Storm (3-4, 2-2 A-R-C) at 1 p.m., Saturday, October 31 at Walston-Hoover Stadium.