Bronko Nagurski Trophy Watch List Unveiled, Highlighting Nation’s Most Dominant Defensive Players Heading Into the 2025 College Football Season

As the 2025 college football season draws closer, the anticipation around individual accolades is heating up — and on Tuesday, the Football Writers Association of America (FWAA) released its prestigious Bronko Nagurski Trophy Watch List, showcasing 96 of the most feared, productive, and dominant defenders in the nation. Named in honor of the legendary two-way player Bronko Nagurski, the award is presented annually to the best defensive player in college football.

This year’s watch list includes a diverse group of edge rushers, linebackers, defensive tackles, and defensive backs from powerhouse programs and under-the-radar schools alike. It not only offers a glimpse into the elite tier of defensive talent across the FBS but also sets the tone for one of the most competitive award races of the 2025 season.

Spotlight on the Front-Runners

The headliners of this year’s list include returning All-Americans, projected first-round NFL Draft picks, and statistical standouts who wreaked havoc throughout 2024. Players like Deone Walker (DT, Kentucky), Harold Perkins Jr. (LB, LSU), and Caleb Downs (S, Ohio State) lead the charge with a combination of game-changing explosiveness and proven leadership.

• Deone Walker, at 6-foot-6 and 350 pounds, remains a nightmare for interior offensive lines. He finished the 2024 season with 7 sacks and 12 tackles for loss, anchoring Kentucky’s defensive front.

• Harold Perkins Jr., one of the most versatile defenders in the country, returns for what many believe will be his final season at LSU. His ability to line up as an edge rusher, spy, or drop into coverage makes him an NFL prototype.

• Caleb Downs, who transferred from Alabama to Ohio State in a blockbuster move, now plays a central role in Jim Knowles’ defensive scheme. With six interceptions and three forced fumbles last year, he’s already one of the most complete safeties in college football.

SEC and Big Ten Dominate the List

As expected, the SEC and Big Ten lead all conferences in watch list selections. The SEC features an intimidating slate of pass rushers and linebackers from programs like Alabama, Georgia, Tennessee, and Texas A&M. The Big Ten follows closely behind, with elite talent at Ohio State, Michigan, and Penn State.

• Michigan’s Kenneth Grant is expected to build off a dominant postseason run that helped the Wolverines win the 2024 national title. His explosiveness off the snap and disruptive ability inside earned him second-team All-Big Ten honors last year.

• Alabama’s Dallas Turner returns after posting 11 sacks and 18 tackles for loss in 2024. With Will Anderson now fully in the NFL, Turner has become the Crimson Tide’s primary terror off the edge.

• Kalen King, Penn State’s top cornerback, is on a redemption tour after a solid but unspectacular 2024. He’s looking to remind NFL scouts why he was once considered a potential top-15 draft pick.

Rising Stars to Watch

Not all eyes will be on returning superstars. The watch list includes several rising sophomores and juniors who showed flashes of brilliance last season and are now poised for breakout years.

• Malik Muhammad (CB, Texas) impressed as a freshman with elite closing speed and the ability to shadow top receivers. His knack for big plays in big moments makes him a name to track.

• Jay Higgins (LB, Iowa) led the Big Ten in tackles as a junior and returns as the vocal leader of a perennially elite Iowa defense. His sideline-to-sideline range and football IQ make him one of the best off-ball linebackers in the country.

• Rueben Bain Jr. (EDGE, Miami) is an athletic freak whose combination of speed and power produced 8.5 sacks as a true freshman in 2024.

Group of Five Representation

While Power Five programs dominate the headlines, the Bronko Nagurski Trophy Watch List gives proper credit to the top defenders in the Group of Five.

• Trey Moore (EDGE, UTSA) returns after a 14.5-sack season and is widely regarded as the top G5 pass rusher.

• Eli Neal (LB, Marshall) recorded 120 tackles and 10 tackles for loss, earning him first-team All-Sun Belt honors.

• Quinton Reese (S, UAB) is a playmaker with a nose for the football — he led the Blazers with four interceptions in 2024.

The FWAA’s inclusion of these players underscores the depth of defensive talent across college football, and highlights that greatness isn’t confined to the major conferences.

Award History and What’s at Stake

First awarded in 1993, the Bronko Nagurski Trophy has long been one of college football’s most prestigious individual honors. Past winners include legends like Charles Woodson (Michigan), Champ Bailey (Georgia), Derrick Johnson (Texas), Luke Kuechly (Boston College), and Will Anderson Jr. (Alabama). In many cases, the trophy foreshadowed a dominant NFL career.

The 2024 winner, Jared Verse (Florida State), used his dominant season as a launchpad into the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft. His impact shows how this award can significantly elevate a player’s draft stock, media exposure, and legacy.

This year’s contenders understand the stakes. Every game, every tackle, every forced fumble becomes part of the narrative as they chase not just wins, but national recognition.

Timeline and Selection Process

The FWAA will trim the list to a group of semifinalists in late October, followed by five finalists in mid-November. The 2025 Bronko Nagurski Trophy winner will be announced at the annual awards banquet on December 8th in Charlotte, North Carolina.

The selection process is conducted by a panel of national college football writers and broadcasters who evaluate performance, consistency, and impact over the course of the season. While statistics matter, intangible factors like leadership and clutch performances also play a pivotal role.

In an era where high-powered offenses often dominate headlines, the Bronko Nagurski Trophy serves as a critical reminder: defense still wins championships. Whether it’s stuffing the run, locking down a No. 1 receiver, or coming up with a game-changing turnover, the players on this list are the backbone of their teams’ title hopes.

As the season kicks off, fans, coaches, and scouts alike will be closely watching these elite defenders to see who separates from the pack and etches their name into college football history. For now, the chase begins — and with a list this deep, the race for the 2025 Bronko Nagurski Trophy promises to be one of the most competitive in recent memory.