The Chuck Bednarik Award Watch List for most outstanding defensive player of the year released Monday, Aug. 11. Three Penn State football players, two seniors and one junior, were named to the watch list.
In 1995, the award was established to honor Philadelphia Eagles legendary linebacker and center Chuck Bednarik, who played both offense and defense in the NFL. According to the Maxwell Football Club, "This accolade recognizes exceptional talent, tenacity, and impact on the defensive side of the game . . . [it] stands as a testament to Bednarik’s enduring influence on the game, celebrating those who demonstrate the skill, leadership, and impact that made [Bednarik] a football icon."
The recipient will be honored at the Home Depot College Football Awards show on ESPN on Dec. 11. Semifinalists will be revealed Nov. 11 followed by the Nov. 25 finalists announcement.
Zane Durant, Dani Dennis-Sutton, and A.J. Harris named to 2025 Chuck Bednarik Award Watch List
Senior defensive tackle Zane Durant, senior defensive end Dani Dennis-Sutton, and junior cornerback A.J. Harris were unsurprisingly named to the 2025 Chuck Bednarik Award Watch List.
Durant also earned spots on the Bronko Nagurski Trophy and Outland Trophy watch lists, and was named a Preseason All-America selection by the Walter Camp Football Foundation. His breakout junior campaign led him to becoming one of the most anticipated defensemen across college football for 2025. Durant had 42 tackles, 11 tackles for loss, and three sacks in 2024. He was the fourth most in the country and second most in the Big Ten in tackles for loss, and tied first among the conference's defensive tackles in sacks.
Dennis-Sutton was an All-Big Ten honorable mention by media in 2025 after recording 42 tackles, 13 tackles for loss, 8.5 sacks, three pass break-ups, a pair of forced fumbles, one fumble recovery, and one interception. Consistency is his plan for his upcoming senior year, and now without Abdul Carter, there are more opportunities for Dennis-Sutton to capitalize on.
Harris also earned a spot on the Bronko Nagurski Trophy Watch List. He was named to the Lott IMPACT Trophy Watch List as well. In 2024, he was an All-Big Ten third team selection by coaches and media after totaling 48 tackles, five pass break-ups, four tackles for loss, and one interception. Despite being tabbed as potentially the No. 1 cornerback should be declare for the 2026 NFL Draft, he doesn't feel like his numbers from sophomore year are indicative of his full potential.