Alabama's Luke Metz Joins Bednarik Award Watch List
The sophomore linebacker earned the spot after a strong performance in Alabama's 31-13 win over LSU.
Updated on Nov. 9, 2026 in Football
Alabama sophomore linebacker Luke Metz was added to the Chuck Bednarik Award Watch List on Monday, the University of Alabama announced. Metz totaled 11 tackles and an interception in the 31-13 win over LSU in Baton Rouge on Saturday.
Why it matters
Metz has started every game for Alabama this season and is among the Crimson Tide's candidates for the national defensive award. Alabama has produced three Bednarik Award winners all-time, including Will Anderson Jr. in 2022, placing the program among the award's most successful.
Metz has 68 tackles, 0.5 tackles for loss, two fumble recoveries and two interceptions this season, including a pick-six against Kentucky in week two. His 11 tackles and an interception against LSU marked his strongest recent outing.
The players
Luke Metz
Alabama sophomore linebacker from Hoschton, Georgia, who has started every game for the Crimson Tide this season.
Chuck Bednarik Award
An annual national award honoring the top defensive player in college football, named after the former Philadelphia Eagles player.
University of Alabama
The Tuscaloosa-based public university whose athletics program fields the Crimson Tide football team in the Southeastern Conference.
The details
The Bednarik Award, given to the nation's top defensive player, adds Metz to a watch list that now includes Alabama's Zabien Brown, Bray Hubbard and Yhonzae Pierre from the start of the season. Metz, a Hoschton, Georgia, native, has started every game for the Crimson Tide this year.
Timeline
Monday, November 9, 2026: Metz added to the Chuck Bednarik Award Watch List.
November 10, 2026: Bednarik Award semifinalists announced.
November 14, 2026: Alabama plays Vanderbilt in Nashville, Tennessee, kickoff 11:45 a.m. CT on the SEC Network.
November 24, 2026: Three Bednarik Award finalists announced.
December 10, 2026: Bednarik Award winner announced.
Season Trajectory
Alabama has produced three Bednarik Award winners all-time, most recently Will Anderson Jr. in 2022, and Metz's selection extends that pipeline of elite defenders. The honor adds to Metz's visibility as the Crimson Tide push through the SEC schedule with national award races in view.
Metz's selection is a useful marker for fantasy and survivor-pool players tracking Alabama's defensive production. The Crimson Tide's next game against Vanderbilt on November 14 gives him another chance to add to his 68-tackle season total.
The takeaway
Metz's watch list spot underscores how quickly a starting sophomore can enter national award conversations. Tracking his tackle and turnover totals through the rest of the season will show whether he moves to the semifinalist stage.
What happens next
Bednarik Award semifinalists will be announced November 10, and three finalists will follow on November 24, with the winner named December 10.
Further reading
For more on the Crimson Tide's season, see Alabama Football.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Tuscaloosa Thread.
