FWAA releases 2026 college football award watch lists

The Football Writers Association of America (FWAA) announced its 2026 preseason watch lists for three major college football awards. The Outland Trophy list, recognizing the nation’s top interior lineman, includes players such as Delaware offensive lineman Steven Demboski (the program’s first ever selection), Alabama sophomore Michael Carroll, and Oregon defensive lineman Bear Alexander. The Bronko Nagurski Trophy list, honoring the top defensive player, features a wide range of athletes including Louisville’s Koen Entringer and Clev Lubin, Clemson linebacker Sammy Brown, North Carolina’s Melkart Abou Jaoude, Iowa defensive back Zach Lutmer, and Ohio State’s Kenyatta Jackson Jr. and defensive back Jaylen McClain. The Maxwell Award preseason watch list, for the nation’s best offensive player, adds Houston quarterback Conner Weigman among its 15 Big 12 selections. The announcements highlight several first‑time or historic selections, such as Demboski’s debut for Delaware and multiple schools fielding several candidates across the awards.