The Maxwell Football Club announces its Watch List for the 31st Bednarik Award!
The Maxwell Football Club today announced its watch list for the 31st Chuck Bednarik Award, presented annually to the most outstanding defensive player in college football. The Bednarik Award has been given to the College Defensive Player of the Year since 1995. It is named in honor of Chuck Bednarik, an NFL Hall of Fame linebacker and center who played his entire career with the Philadelphia Eagles. Known as one of the last “60-minute men” for playing both offense and defense, Bednarik exemplified toughness, excellence, and leadership on the field—values that the award bearing his name seeks to recognize in today’s top defensive players.
The Bednarik Award watch list will once again incorporate a broad spectrum of Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) programs and conferences from coast to coast, led by one returning finalist: Caleb Downs-Ohio State, and two returning semifinalists: Mikail Kamara–Indiana, and Anthony Hill Jr.-Texas. The full list comprises 90 players, with Georgia leading the way with four candidates and an additional six schools having three players represented. The SEC boasts 23 candidates, followed by the Big10 (20), ACC (15), and Big12 (12).
Travis Hunter, from the University of Colorado, was the 2024 Bednarik Award winner and was selected by the Jacksonville Jaguars in the 1st round of the NFL draft.
Candidates are listed alphabetically by school with position and class year noted.
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