Trio of Oregon defenders added to Bronko Nagurski Award watch list
Not one, not two, but three Duck defenders were named to the Bronko Nagurski Award watch list, the most prestigious defensive award in CFB.
On Tuesday, the Oregon Ducks bolstered their prospects for the 2026 Bronko Nagurski Award as cornerback Brandon Finney Jr., safety Koi Perich, and defensive tackle A'Mauri Washington were added to the preseason watch list. The Bronko Nagurski Award, established in 1993, recognizes the nation's premier defensive player in college football.
Recent winners include Jacob Rodriguez (2025), Kyle Kennard (2024), and Xavier Watts (2023). Not a single Duck has ever claimed the award. However, with three standout defenders now on the watch list, there exists the potential for one of them to emerge as a top contender for the prestigious accolade. Finney and Washington, both poised to enter their second seasons as starters, have already showcased NFL-caliber talent during their initial campaigns.
Finney, despite having a season left, opted out of the 2026 NFL Draft to remain in Eugene and continue his development. Perich, who transferred from Minnesota during his freshman year, has already made an impact as a playmaker at safety, kickoff return, and punt return. With a reduced workload in a more formidable defense this season, Perich's All-American performance as a freshman could potentially translate into a stronger case for the Bronko Nagurski Award.
As Finney, Perich, and Washington lead the Ducks defense, they are shaping up to be among the best in the nation, regardless of whether one of them ultimately claims the Bronko Nagurski Award.
Written by urgent.news from Yahoo Sports's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
