CHARLOTTE, N.C. (theACC.com) – Eight Atlantic Coast Conference football standouts representing six schools have been named to the 2026 Walter Camp Player of the Year Preseason Watch List, announced Monday by the Walter Camp Football Foundation.
Miami leads all ACC programs with three selections in running back Mark Fletcher Jr., quarterback Darian Mensah and wide receiver/punt returner Malachi Toney. Clemson linebacker Sammy Brown, Florida State wide receiver Duce Robinson, Louisville running back Isaac Brown, NC State quarterback CJ Bailey and SMU quarterback Kevin Jennings round out the ACC contingent.
Miami’s three honorees are the second most of any team, while the Hurricanes are one of only nine teams with multiple players on the preseason watch list.
The Walter Camp Football Foundation announced 50 “players to watch” for its 2026 Player of the Year award, the nation’s fourth-oldest individual college football accolade. The complete watch list features 41 offensive players – 22 quarterbacks, 11 running backs and eight receivers/tight ends – along with nine defensive players. Players from 38 schools are represented.
2026 Walter Camp Player of the Year Watch List – ACC Selections
- Sammy Brown, Jr., LB, Clemson
- Duce Robinson, Sr., WR, Florida State
- Isaac Brown, Jr., RB, Louisville
- Mark Fletcher Jr., Sr., RB, Miami
- Darian Mensah, Sr., QB, Miami
- Malachi Toney, So., WR/PR, Miami
- CJ Bailey, Jr., QB, NC State
- Kevin Jennings, 5th, QB, SMU
First awarded in 1967, the 2026 Walter Camp Player of the Year watch list will be narrowed to 10 semifinalists in early November, with three finalists announced in early December. The recipient will be selected by the 138 NCAA Football Bowl Subdivision head coaches and sports information directors and announced during the second week of December.
The Walter Camp Football Foundation notes that appearing on the preseason watch list is not a requirement for a player to win the Walter Camp Player of the Year Award or earn Walter Camp All-America honors.