Matthew Bailey makes Bednarik Award watch list for 2026 season

Matthew Bailey has been named to the preseason watch list for the 2026 Chuck Bednarik Award, recognizing top defensive players in college football. The announcement was made by the Maxwell Football Club. Bailey, a team captain and two-time All-Big Ten selection, led Illinois in tackles over the past two seasons, with 76 tackles in 2025 and a career-best 94 in 2024. He also earned AP All-Bowl Team honors following a Citrus Bowl victory and is one of 19 Big Ten players on the watch list. The Bednarik Award has been presented annually since 1994.

• 1:13 AMYahoo Sports — Bailey named to Bednarik Award watch list