Wake Forest Athletics
Photo by: BryceMitchell
Carlos Hernandez Named to Hispanic Player of the Year Watchlist
8/26/2026 2:59:00 PM | Football
This marks the Alhambra, Calif., native’s fifth preseason honor.
LAS VEGAS – Wake Forest football senior wide receiver Carlos Hernandez has been named to the 2026 Hispanic Player of the Year Watchlist, as announced by the Hispanic College Football Hall of Fame on Tuesday.
The Hispanic College Football Player of the Year is presented annually to the most outstanding college football player of Hispanic ancestry.
Hernandez, who was recently named a Preseason Third Team All-American by Phil Steele, enters the 2026 season as one of the top receivers and returners in the country.
The Alhambra, Calif., native appeared in all 13 games while making eight starts last season, finishing with 40 catches for a team-high 611 yards and three receiving touchdowns, as well as a rushing touchdown and a punt return touchdown.
Hernandez broke out in the final four games of the season, totaling 23 catches for 463 yards and three touchdowns during that stretch. He also recorded five or more catches in all four games, including a team-high six catches in the Demon Deacons' victory over Mississippi State in the Duke's Mayo Bowl.
Additionally, the senior became a big-play threat down the stretch, scoring from 70 yards, 79 yards, 88 yards and 93 yards respectively over the final five games. Notably, Hernandez's 93-yard touchdown reception against Delaware marked the longest touchdown reception in school history.
Hernandez also played a pivotal role on special teams for the Demon Deacons, totaling 249 return yards, including an 88-yard punt return for a touchdown in the win over No. 19 Virginia to secure bowl eligibility.
Carlos Hernandez Career Honors
About the Hispanic Football Hall of Fame
The Hispanic Football Hall of Fame, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, was founded in 2025 to celebrate and honor the achievements of Hispanic players, coaches, and contributors in the sport of football. Its mission is to preserve history, showcase excellence, and inspire future generations by highlighting the cultural and athletic contributions of Hispanics to the game at all levels.
The Hispanic College Football Player of the Year is presented annually to the most outstanding college football player of Hispanic ancestry.
Hernandez, who was recently named a Preseason Third Team All-American by Phil Steele, enters the 2026 season as one of the top receivers and returners in the country.
The Alhambra, Calif., native appeared in all 13 games while making eight starts last season, finishing with 40 catches for a team-high 611 yards and three receiving touchdowns, as well as a rushing touchdown and a punt return touchdown.
Hernandez broke out in the final four games of the season, totaling 23 catches for 463 yards and three touchdowns during that stretch. He also recorded five or more catches in all four games, including a team-high six catches in the Demon Deacons' victory over Mississippi State in the Duke's Mayo Bowl.
Additionally, the senior became a big-play threat down the stretch, scoring from 70 yards, 79 yards, 88 yards and 93 yards respectively over the final five games. Notably, Hernandez's 93-yard touchdown reception against Delaware marked the longest touchdown reception in school history.
Hernandez also played a pivotal role on special teams for the Demon Deacons, totaling 249 return yards, including an 88-yard punt return for a touchdown in the win over No. 19 Virginia to secure bowl eligibility.
Carlos Hernandez Career Honors
- 2026 Hispanic Player of the Year Preseason Watchlist
- 2026 Phil Steele Preseason Third Team All-American
- 2026 Phil Steele Preseason First Team All-ACC (Returner)
- 2026 Phil Steele Preseason Fourth Team All-ACC (WR)
- 2026 Athlon Sports Preseason All-ACC
About the Hispanic Football Hall of Fame
The Hispanic Football Hall of Fame, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, was founded in 2025 to celebrate and honor the achievements of Hispanic players, coaches, and contributors in the sport of football. Its mission is to preserve history, showcase excellence, and inspire future generations by highlighting the cultural and athletic contributions of Hispanics to the game at all levels.
Players Mentioned
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Wednesday, August 19