League: NCAAF Sport: College Sports Country: United States Category: Draft

Jaxton Eck named Mountain West Preseason Defensive Player of the Year

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jul 15, 2026, 7:04 PM

Last updated Jul 15, 2026

College Sports

Summary

Jaxton Eck, linebacker for New Mexico, has been selected as the Mountain West Preseason Defensive Player of the Year, the league announced on July 15, 2026. Eck's accolade follows a strong 2025 season in which he recorded 129 total tackles, ranking second in the league. Last season, he shared the Mountain West Co-Defensive Player of the Year honors with Chris Johnson. Alongside Eck, several other players were recognized on the preseason All-Mountain West team, marking the first time New Mexico has had five players acknowledged since 2005. Hawaii's Micah Alejado was named Preseason Offensive Player of the Year and Jackson Williams from North Dakota State was recognized as Preseason Special Teams Player of the Year.

Source Links

Yahoo Sports

Key Details

•Jaxton Eck recognized as Mountain West Preseason Defensive Player of the Year.
•Eck had 129 tackles, second-best in the league last season.
•Eck shared Co-Defensive Player of the Year honors in 2025.
•New Mexico has five players on the preseason All-Mountain West team.
•Micah Alejado named Preseason Offensive Player of the Year.

Latest Updates

7:04 PMYahoo Sports — New Mexico LB Jaxton Eck named Mountain West Preseason Defensive Player of the Year

What they're saying

"
New Mexico linebacker Jaxton Eck has been named the Mountain West Preseason Defensive Player of the Year, the league announced Wednesday morning. The fourth-year senior’s selection comes after a season that saw him make 129 total tackles, the second-best mark in the league. He went on to split Mountain West Co-Defensive Player of the Year honors last season with San Diego State cornerback ...
— Yahoo Sports

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