60 Defensive Players Named to Bronko Nagurski Watch List Across Multiple Conferences

The 2025 Bronko Nagurski Trophy preseason watch list, recognizing the nation’s top defensive college football player, features 60 players from across various schools and conferences. Notable nominees include Texas A&M cornerback Will Lee III, Oklahoma linebacker Kip Lewis, Notre Dame linebacker Drayk Bowen and cornerback Leonard Moore, South Carolina edge rusher Dylan Stewart, and a trio from Texas including linebacker Chris Hill. These players have demonstrated strong defensive performances in previous seasons, with Lee earning second-team All-SEC honors and Lewis known for game-changing interceptions and leadership at Oklahoma. Bowen and Moore have contributed significantly to Notre Dame's defense, with Moore also receiving multiple Freshman All-America acknowledgments. The award finalists will be announced in November, with the winner revealed at the December banquet in Charlotte, North Carolina.