The Football Writers Association of America released its 2026 Bronko Nagurski and Outland Trophy Watch Lists this week.
The Nagurki list includes 68 defensive standouts as contenders for the national defensive player of the year, while the Outland recognizes 68 returning standout interior linemen on both sides of the ball.
Indiana leads all schools with four defenders on the watch list for the Nagurski in linebackers Rolijah Hardy and Isaiah Jones, defensive tackle Tyrique Tucker and safety Amare Ferrell.
Fifth-year offensive tackle Carter Smith returns to the Outland watch list after being a semifinalist for the award last season. Tucker is also on the Outland watch list. No Indiana player has ever won the Outland Trophy.
The FWAA and the Charlotte Touchdown Club will announce finalists for the 2026 Bronko Nagurski Trophy on Nov. 19. The official presentation to the recipient of the 2026 Bronko Nagurski Trophy will be at the Bronko Nagurski Awards Banquet in Charlotte, N.C. on Dec. 7.
The semifinalists for the Outland Trophy will be announced on Nov. 18, followed by a joint announcement with ESPN of the three finalists on Nov. 24. The 81st recipient of the Outland Trophy will be announced on The Home Depot College Football Awards, live on ESPN in December.
IU PLAYERS ON 2026 PRESEASON WATCH LISTS
- 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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