IU football’s anticipated 2026 starting center Bray Lynch is on the preseason watch list for the Rimington Trophy.
The award is given annually to the nation’s top center.
Lynch is an interesting addition to the list, as he’s never played the position in college except for occasional spot duty. But he’s got two years of experience starting at right guard for a team that has gone 27-2 over that span. He’s expected to be IU’s third-straight starting center who only started playing the position during his college career.
Lynch is one of 40 players listed among the top centers in college football entering the 2026 season. The Big Ten leads the way with 13 honorees.
Meanwhile, kicker Nico Radicic is on the preseason watch list for the Lou Groza Award, which goes to the nation’s top kicker.
Radicic was 18 of 19 kicking field goals on the 2025 national championship season, and co-led the nation with his 94.7% make rate. He is 29 of 31 (.935) for his college career and he has never missed an extra point.
He is one of 35 kickers on the Groza preseason watch list.
SPORTING NEWS HANDS OUT SOME HONORS
The Sporting News, one of the five official selectors for All-American honors, named linebacker Rolijah Hardy and offensive tackle Carter Smith preseason First Team All-Americans. Wide receiver Charlie Becker was named to the second team.
That outlet also named Fernando Mendoza to The Sporting News 2020s All-Decade Team.
Interestingly enough, the Sporting News was the one selector that did not name Mendoza First Team All-American in 2025, instead giving that honor to Diego Pavia.
MORE IU PLAYERS ON 2026 PRESEASON WATCH LISTS
- Nagurki Trophy – Rolijah Hardy, Isaiah Jones, Tyrique Tucker, Amare Ferrell
- Outland Trophy – Carter Smith and Tyrique Tucker
- Maxwell Award – Josh Hoover
- Mannelly Award – Drew Clausen
- Good Works Team – Charlie Becker
- Dodd Trophy — Curt Cignetti
- Lott Trophy — Tyrique Tucker and Jamari Sharpe
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