CHARLOTTE, N.C. (theACC.com) – Ten Atlantic Coast Conference student-athletes representing seven programs were named to the 2026 Outland Trophy Preseason Watch List, the Football Writers Association of America (FWAA) announced Tuesday.
The ACC's 10 selections rank third among all conferences, trailing only the Big Ten (18) and SEC (15). The 68-player watch list includes standouts from 49 Football Bowl Subdivision programs representing all 10 FBS conferences and the FBS Independents.
Miami, Pitt and SMU led all ACC schools with two selections each, while Georgia Tech, Louisville, Virginia and Virginia Tech each placed one student-athlete on the preseason watch list.
The Outland Trophy, now in its 81st year, is presented annually to the nation's top interior lineman, honoring outstanding play on both the offensive and defensive lines. Established in 1946 through a gift from Dr. John Outland, the award recognizes the contributions of college football's linemen and is the third-oldest major individual award in the sport.
2026 Outland Trophy Watch List – ACC Selections
- Malachi Carney, R-Sr., G, Georgia Tech
- Lance Robinson, Gr., C, Louisville
- Matthew McCoy, R-Sr., OT, Miami
- Ahmad Moten Sr., R-Sr., DT, Miami
- Ryan Baer, R-Sr., OT, Pitt
- BJ Williams, Sr., G, Pitt
- Joshua Bates, R-Jr., C, SMU
- PJ Williams, R-Sr., OT, SMU
- Noah Josey, Gr., G, Virginia
- Kemari Copeland, R-Sr., DT, Virginia Tech
Players may be added or removed from the watch list during the course of the season. For a third year now, the FWAA will announce an Outland Trophy National 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.
The semifinalists for the Outland Trophy will be announced on November 18, followed by a joint announcement with ESPN of the three finalists on November 24. The 81st recipient of the Outland Trophy will be announced on
The Home Depot College Football Awards, live on ESPN in December. The official presentation to the winner will be made at the Outland Trophy Awards Dinner sponsored by Werner Enterprises and produced by the Greater Omaha Sports Committee in Omaha, Neb., on January 27, 2027.