Jayden Woods Added to Bednarik Award Watch List
The Maxwell Football Club recognized the Gators defender for his performance during the 2026 season.
Updated on Sept. 30, 2026 in Football
The Maxwell Football Club has added Florida defensive standout Jayden Woods to the Chuck Bednarik Award watch list. The honor follows Woods' breakout performance during the 2026 campaign.
Why it matters
The Chuck Bednarik Award is a prestigious recognition for the top defensive player in college football. This addition highlights the growing impact Woods has had on the Gators defense this season.
Woods recorded 19 total tackles, four sacks, and six tackles for loss throughout the current season. He also logged a notable 3.5 tackles for loss and 2.5 sacks during the 44-39 win against Auburn.
The players
Jayden Woods
He is a defensive standout for the Florida Gators football team in Gainesville.
Maxwell Football Club
This organization is responsible for administering the Chuck Bednarik Award.
Myles Graham
He is a Florida Gators player who was previously named to the watch list.
The details
Woods earned Bednarik Player of the Week honors for his efforts against Auburn and contributed four tackles and two tackles for loss in a 52-28 victory over Ole Miss. He joins teammate Myles Graham, who was previously named to the watch list during the preseason.
Timeline
The Chuck Bednarik Award has been presented annually since 1994.
Jayden Woods was officially added to the watch list on September 30, 2026.
Award semifinalists will be announced on November 10, 2026.
The committee will announce the three finalists on November 24, 2026.
The winner of the award will be revealed on December 10, 2026.
The Big Picture
The Chuck Bednarik Award is a prestigious national honor that tracks the highest-performing defensive players in the country. This selection follows the established pattern of the Maxwell Football Club highlighting athletes who demonstrate consistent disruption and play-making ability.
Woods' inclusion elevates his standing among defensive prospects as the Gators navigate the remainder of their 2026 schedule. This recognition reinforces his role as a primary playmaker in the defensive rotation for the team in Gainesville.
The takeaway
This recognition underscores the critical role of defensive playmakers in the success of the Gators this season. Following such honors often signals a higher profile for players entering the final stretch of the college football calendar.
What happens next
Semifinalists for the award will be announced on November 10, followed by the announcement of three finalists on November 24 and the final winner on December 10.
Further reading
For more updates on the Florida Gators, visit Football.
