2026 MAC Preseason Award Watchlist Tracker
A complete list of the MAC stars recognized this preseason, award by award.
College football is around the corner, and nothing signifies that more than the release of preseason watchlists.
The 2026 watchlist series launched Monday, Aug. 3 with the release of the Maxwell Award watchlist, and it continues through Aug. 21.
Below we have documented a complete list of MAC players whose names adorn the 16 preseason watchlists recognized by the National College Football Awards Association (NCFAA) for 2026:
Maxwell Award
Release date: August 3
Who wins this award? “Presented annually to the top player in the nation.”
MAC selections:
- Jordan Gant, RB, Akron (Sr.)
- Broc Lowry, QB, Western Michigan (Jr.)
- Jalen Buckley, RB, Western Michigan (Sr.)
Full list (81 members)
Bronko Nagurski Trophy
Release date: August 4
Who wins this award? “Created in 1993 by the Football Writers Association of America, the Bronko Nagurski Trophy is awarded to the best defensive player in college football and is presented by the Charlotte Touchdown Club.”
MAC selections:
- Bryce Llewellyn, SS, Eastern Michigan (Sr.)
- Josh Franklin, CB, Western Michigan (Sr.)
Full list (68 members)
Outland Trophy
Release date: August 4
Who wins this award? “Presented to the nation’s best interior lineman... Only interior linemen on offense or defense are eligible for the award; ends are not eligible.”
MAC selections:
- Evan Malcore, OT, Miami (OH) (Sr.)
- Chad Schuster, OT, Western Michigan (Sr.)
Full list (49 members)
John Mackey Award
Release date: August 5
Who wins this award? “Presented to the nation’s most outstanding tight end by the Friends of John Mackey.”
MAC selections:
- Joshua Long, TE, Eastern Michigan (Jr.)
- Terik Mulder, TE, Kent State (Sr.)
Full list (43 members)
Rimington Trophy
Release date: August 6
Who wins this award? “... awarded to Division I-A college football’s most outstanding center.”
MAC selections:
- Nicholas Gallegos, C, Eastern Michigan (Sr.)
Full list (40 members)
Lou Groza Award
Release date: August 7
Who wins this award? “The Lou Groza Award is presented annually by the Palm Beach County Sports Commission and given to the best placekicker in college football.”
MAC selections: None
Full list (35 members)
Paul Hornung Award
Release date: August 10
Who wins this award? “The Paul Hornung Award is given annually by the Louisville Sports Commission (LSC) to the most versatile player in major college football.”
MAC selections:
- Keith Reynolds, WR, Miami (OH) (Jr.)
Full list (39 members)
Wuerffel Trophy
Release date: August 11
Who wins this award? “Established in 2005, The Wuerffel Trophy honors college football athletes who are serving others, while also achieving greatness on the football field and in the classroom.”
MAC selections:
- Caden Britton, LS, Ball State (Sr.)
- Stevie Bracey, ILB, Buffalo (Sr.)
- Angel Flores, QB, Central Michigan (Sr.)
- Dennis Strey Jr., OT, Eastern Michigan (Sr.)
- Wayne Harris, WR, Kent State (So.)
- DJ Walker, SS, Ohio (Jr.)
- Derek Houston, ILB, Sacramento State (Jr.)
- Matt Hofer, OT, Toledo (So.)
- Riley Bloch, G, UMass (Jr.)
- Dakari Frazier, DT, Western Michigan (Jr.)
Full list (113 members)
