Penn State Linebacker Tony Rojas Joins Bednarik Watch List

The standout defender earns recognition following a dominant start to the college football season.

Updated on Oct. 28, 2026 in Football

Penn State Linebacker Tony Rojas Joins Bednarik Watch List

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The Maxwell Football Club has named Penn State linebacker Tony Rojas to the prestigious Bednarik Award watch list. The annual award honors the top defensive player in college football.

Why it matters

The nomination highlights the impact Rojas has had for the Penn State program throughout his performance this season. He joins a crowded field of top-tier defenders competing for the defensive player of the year honor.

Rojas has recorded 56 tackles, 10.5 tackles-for-loss, five sacks, and two interceptions in seven games. He remains the only FBS player this season with more than 10.5 tackles-for-loss and at least two interceptions.

The players

Tony Rojas

He is a standout linebacker for the Penn State football team currently producing career-best defensive metrics.

Maxwell Football Club

This Philadelphia-based organization presents the Bednarik Award annually to the top defensive player in the college ranks.

Jeremiah Cooper

He is a college football player who was previously named a candidate for the Bednarik Award in August.

The details

Rojas is also currently nominated for the Comeback Player of the Year, Hispanic College Football Player of the Year, and Lott IMPACT Trophy watch lists. His addition to the Bednarik list follows the earlier nomination of Jeremiah Cooper in August.

August 2026: Jeremiah Cooper was named a Bednarik Award candidate.
October 28, 2026: Tony Rojas was named to the Bednarik Award watch list.
November 10, 2026: Semifinalists for the Chuck Bednarik Award will be announced.
November 24, 2026: Three finalists for the award will be revealed.
December 10, 2026: The winner will be announced during the College Football Awards Show.

Season Trajectory

This nomination confirms Rojas as a central figure in the race for national defensive honors as the season moves toward its postseason awards phase. His inclusion on the list boosts his profile as voters evaluate candidates for the final postseason accolades.

The nomination places Rojas firmly in the conversation for end-of-year All-American honors and defensive player voting. Bettors and fantasy participants may view this as a signal of his consistent production levels through the remainder of the schedule.

The takeaway

Maintaining such a high rate of tackles-for-loss and interceptions is rare for a linebacker in a single season. Rojas will need to sustain these production levels to advance through the upcoming semifinalist and finalist stages of the voting process.

What happens next

Semifinalists for the Chuck Bednarik Award will be announced on November 10, followed by the selection of three finalists on November 24 and the announcement of the winner on December 10 at the Home Depot College Football Awards Show.