Ohio State has four players on the 2024 Bronko Nagurski Trophy watch list, the most of any team in the country.
The Bronko Nagurski Trophy is an award given annually to the nation's best defensive player, and was won in 2023 by Notre Dame safety Xavier Watts, who in turn made the watch list for the 2024 season.
We've selected 75 of the nation's best defensive players for our 2024 preseason Watch List. The award will be presented by @TheFWAA and @CTouchdownClub on Dec. 9. https://t.co/J307yCnF9e pic.twitter.com/GnmJXARAcW
— Nagurski Trophy (@NagurskiTrophy) July 30, 2024
Caleb Downs, Tyleik Williams, JT Tuimoloau and Denzel Burke are Ohio State's representatives on the watch list, while Iowa and Georgia are tied for the second-most players selected with three apiece. Nine Big Ten schools have at least one player on the watch list.
4 Buckeyes earn @NagurskiTrophy Watch List honors
— Ohio State Football (@OhioStateFB) July 30, 2024
@DenzelBurke10 @tyleikk @caleb_downs2 @JT_Tuimoloau pic.twitter.com/axlqMYbNRH
Downs collected 107 tackles, 3.5 tackles for loss, four pass breakups, two interceptions, one forced fumble and one fumble recovery at Alabama last season before transferring to OSU in the offseason.
Williams was one of the best defensive tackles in all of college football in 2023, recording 53 tackles with 10 tackles for loss, three sacks and five pass breakups across 13 games. Tuimoloau was also a key anchor on Ohio State’s defensive line as he collected 38 tackles, seven tackles for loss, five sacks and two pass breakups across 13 appearances for the Buckeyes last year.
Burke was OSU's best cornerback in 2023 and collected an impressive nine pass breakups with 24 tackles, three tackles for loss, one interception and one forced fumble as he led the nation’s No. 1 pass defense.
Buckeyes on preseason awards watch lists
Maxwell Award
- Emeka Egbuka, wide receiver
- Quinshon Judkins, running back
- Will Howard, quarterback
Bronko Nagurski Trophy
- Caleb Downs, safety
- Tyleik Williams, defensive tackle
- JT Tuimoloau, defensive end
- Denzel Burke, cornerback
Outland Trophy
- Josh Fryar, offensive tackle
- Donovan Jackson, guard
- Tyleik Williams, defensive tackle
Lott IMPACT Trophy
- Denzel Burke, cornerback
- Caleb Downs, safety
- JT Tuimoloau, defensive end
Dodd Trophy
- Ryan Day, head coach
