IRVING, Texas — Two American Conference players have been named to the 2026 Bronko Nagurski Trophy Preseason Watch List, announced by the Football Writers Association of America (FWAA) on Tuesday. The trophy is presented annually to the top defensive player in college football.
 
Florida Atlantic's CJ Doggette Jr. earned a nod to the list entering his second season in Boca Raton. In 12 games played last season, Doggette recorded 28 tackles, seven tackles for loss and four sacks for the Owls.
 
Tulane's Jack Tchienchou was named to the watch list, coming off a season in which he played in 14 games. Tchienchou helped lead the Green Wave to the College Football Playoff, finishing the season with 83 tackles, two interceptions and one forced fumble. He was named Most Outstanding Player of the American Conference Championship Game after recording nine tackles, a forced fumble and an interception.
 
The FWAA has chosen a National Defensive Player of the Year since 1993. In 1995, the FWAA named the award in honor of the legendary two-way player from the University of Minnesota. Nagurski dominated college football, then became a star for professional football's Chicago Bears in the 1930s. Bronislaw "Bronko" Nagurski is a charter member of both the College Football and Pro Football Halls of Fame.