College Football award watch lists

In early August 2026, the Rimington Trophy committee released its preseason watch list, naming four interior linemen—Vincent Fiacable (FAU), Adam Lepkowski (UAB), Jimmy Liston (Utah State) and Brock Riker (Penn State). The same release also announced the John Mackey Award watch list with eight tight ends from various programs.

The following day, the Rimington Trophy list was expanded to include two additional centers: Steven Demboski of Delaware, the first player from his program to earn the honor, and Sheridan Wilson of Texas Tech, who made the list for a second consecutive year after allowing no sacks in the prior season. Both players were highlighted for their pass‑blocking performance and were also featured on other award watch lists.

Together, the snapshots trace the rollout and subsequent augmentation of the 2026 preseason watch lists for major college football awards, illustrating how the selections were publicized and updated in the days following the initial announcement.