Pitt sophomore defensive tackle Calijah Kancey received more preseason recognition Tuesday when he was named to the watch list for the Bronko Nagurski Trophy, given to the nation’s top defensive player by the Football Writers Association of America.

Kancey was previously named to the watch list for the Chuck Bednarik Award, also awarded to the defensive player of the year by the Maxwell Football Club. Former Pitt All-American defensive tackle Aaron Donald, a three-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year, won both awards in 2o13.

Named Freshman All-American by the FWAA, Rivals and The Athletic, Kancey recorded 27 tackles, seven for a loss and 1 1/2 sacks last season.

Five Pitt players have been named to preseason watch lists, including wide receiver Jordan Addison (Biletnikoff Award), defensive end Deslin Alexandre (Lott IMPACT Trophy), tight end Lucas Krull (Mackey Award) and quarterback Kenny Pickett (Maxwell Award Player of the Year).

Copyright ©2025— Trib Total Media, LLC (TribLIVE.com)