CHARLOTTE, N.C. (theACC.com) – Seven standout defenders from the Atlantic Coast Conference have been named to the 2025 Bronko Nagurski Trophy preseason watch list, it was announced by the Football Writers Association of America (FWAA) on Tuesday. The award recognizes the best defensive player in college football.
The watch list includes 21 linebackers, 11 defensive ends/edge rushers, 10 cornerbacks, 10 defensive tackles and eight safeties.
The FWAA and the Charlotte Touchdown Club will announce four finalists for the 2025 Bronko Nagurski Trophy in mid-to-late November, and the winner will be revealed at the Bronko Nagurski Awards Banquet on December 8 in Charlotte, North Carolina.
Players may be added or removed from the watch list throughout the season. As in previous years, the FWAA will announce a Bronko Nagurski National Defensive Player of the Week each Tuesday this season. If not already on the watch list, each week’s honored player will be added at that time.
ACC Players Named to the 2025 Bronko Nagurski Trophy Preseason Watch List
Name, School, Position
T.J. Parker, Clemson, DE
Avieon Terrell, Clemson, CB
Peter Woods, Clemson, DT
Chandler Rivers, Duke, CB
Rueben Bain Jr., Miami, DE
Kyle Louis, Pitt, LB
Isaiah Nwokobia, SMU, S
The FWAA All-America Committee, after voting input from the association’s full membership, selects a 26-man All-America Team and eventually the Bronko Nagurski Trophy finalists. Committee members, by individual ballot, select the winner they regard as the best defensive player in college football.
The FWAA has chosen a National Defensive Player of the Year since 1993. In 1995, the FWAA named the award in honor of the legendary two-way player from the University of Minnesota. Nagurski dominated college football, then became a star for professional football’s Chicago Bears in the 1930s. Bronislaw "Bronko" Nagurski is a charter member of both the College Football and Pro Football Halls of Fame.
The Bronko Nagurski Trophy is a member of the National College Football Awards Association (NCFAA), which encompasses college football’s most prestigious awards. The NCFAA’s 25 awards have honored more than 950 recipients since 1935.