Two Ohio State defenders make Chuck Bednarik preseason watch list
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 22, 2026, 1:29 AM
Last updated Aug 22, 2026
The Chuck Bednarik Award announced its 2026 preseason watch list on August 21, including two Ohio State players: defensive end Kenyatta Jackson Jr. and safety Earl Little Jr. Jackson, making his third watch list appearance, was a standout last season with 28 tackles and 6.5 sacks. Little joins after transferring from Florida State and Alabama, where he led his team with 76 tackles last year. The Bednarik Award recognizes the college football defensive player of the year, with the winner to be announced on December 11 during ESPN's Home Depot College Awards Show.
- •Kenyatta Jackson Jr. and Earl Little Jr. featured on the watch list.
- •Jackson had 28 tackles, 11.5 tackles for loss last season.
- •Little was a captain at Florida State with significant defensive stats.
- •The award winner will be revealed on December 11.
- •Ohio State's last Bednarik Award winner was Chase Young in 2019.
- 1:29 AMYahoo Sports — Two Ohio State players on the Chuck Bednarik preseason watch list
"The Chuck Bednarik Award announced its 2026 preseason watch list on Friday and two Ohio State players were included.
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