logo
Texas A&M senior CB named to the Bronko Nagurski Award watch list

Texas A&M senior CB named to the Bronko Nagurski Award watch list

USA Today30-07-2025
Texas A&M's 2025 secondary will be led by senior cornerback Will Lee III, who announced his return early in the offseason after transferring from Kansas State last year. Regarded as one of the most confident players in the country, his dominant coverage skill set has set him apart in the SEC as one of the top cornerback prospects in the 2026 NFL Draft.
Still, Lee is highly underrated nationally, but should thrive next to Georgia transfer corner Julian Humphrey, while the return of senior Tyreek Chappell and transfer Jordan Shaw solidifies depth at the nickel corner spot, which was an issue last season. Standing at 6'3" and 190 pounds, Lee's notable size and speed, paired with his defensive instincts, led to 42 tackles, two interceptions, and ten pass deflections last season.
On Tuesday, Lee finally gained national recognition ahead of the 2025 season, as he was named to the Bronko Nagurski Trophy watch list, given to the top defender in the country after every campaign. While it seems like a long shot for Lee, or any cornerback this season, to win the award, his two interceptions last season were likely the bare minimum for a player now adjusted to Mike Elko's defensive scheme, and should be in a better position to reel in more picks.
Here is more on the Bronko Nagurski Award's background, thanks to the Texas A&M Athletics website:
The Bronko Nagurski Trophy, created in 1993, is awarded to the best defensive player in college football and is presented by the Charlotte Touchdown Club. The award was established to complement the Heisman Trophy Award, which at the time had never been presented to a defensive player.
Contact/Follow us @AggiesWire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Texas A&M news, notes and opinions. Follow Cameron on X: @CameronOhnysty.
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

2025 SEC Title Odds: 'There's Not A Real Standout Team'
2025 SEC Title Odds: 'There's Not A Real Standout Team'

Fox Sports

time18 minutes ago

  • Fox Sports

2025 SEC Title Odds: 'There's Not A Real Standout Team'

College Football 2025 SEC Title Odds: 'There's Not A Real Standout Team' Published Aug. 6, 2025 3:06 p.m. ET share facebook x reddit link Can you believe it: The Southeastern Conference has four teams among the top 10 in College Football Playoff championship odds. Then, two more teams are knocking on the door of the top 10, and there might be a sleeper or two in the mix, as well. So it's no surprise that, for SEC championship odds, bookmakers expect quite a battle to see who takes home the league crown and presumably a first-round bye in the CFP. "The SEC feels more competitive than in past years. It used to be just Georgia and Alabama," Caesars Sports head of football trading Joey Feazel said. "There's not a real standout team, so maybe we will get some variance this year." Feazel serves up his insights into how bettors are playing SEC championship odds. Texas' Time? Texas has been in the SEC all of one season, but it was a pretty good one. The Longhorns reached the SEC title game, losing to Georgia 22-19, though still earning an at-large berth into the College Football Playoff. From there, Texas knocked off Clemson and Arizona State to reach the CFP semifinals, where the Longhorns' season ended in a 28-14 setback to eventual national champion Ohio State. For this season, Caesars opened Texas as the +280 favorite to win the SEC, and the Longhorns are now +260. That said, Feazel remains a little wary. "The Texas Longhorns are still new to this conference, but right now, they're controlling most of the money," Feazel said. Quarterback Quinn Ewers moved on to the NFL, which fully swings open the door for Arch Manning to start. That has early bettors quite enthusiastic. "They're banking on Arch Manning. He's the Heisman Trophy favorite. But is he gonna be that guy this year?" Feazel said. "He does have a high ceiling, but we don't know how low his floor is." ADVERTISEMENT Manning got two starts last year, when Ewers was out with an oblique injury. Those starts came against two overmatched teams: Louisiana-Monroe, in a 51-3 blowout, and Mississippi State, in a 35-13 victory. Joel Klatt on Ohio State-Texas, teams that can win it all and Belichick-UNC Close Behind Georgia is the +375 second choice in SEC championship odds. As noted above, the Bulldogs won the conference title last year, getting a bye to the CFP quarterfinals. That's where the season ended, in a 23-10 loss to Notre Dame. Georgia has played in the last four SEC title games and won back-to-back national crowns in 2021-22 and 2022-23. With that success, though, comes a higher calling for many players: the NFL. "Every year, Georgia loses a lot to the draft," Feazel said. "There are question marks around this team, whether it will have its dominant form." Alabama is the +400 third choice to win the SEC. But as the post-Saban era hits Year 2, bettors aren't quite as intrigued by the Crimson Tide, who didn't reach the SEC final or the CFP last season. "Alabama still has its betting faithful, but there's less action than they were getting in the Saban years," Feazel said. LSU is expected to be in the conference championship mix, as well, and in fact has seen its odds notably improve in the offseason. Caesars opened the Tigers at +1100, and they're now +650. "We have a big Louisiana betting base. That's the case every year," Feazel said, adding there's plenty of belief in QB Garrett Nussmeier. "He will be one of the top quarterbacks drafted next year. The LSU faithful are coming in." Major Mover Oklahoma is a +2500 long shot in odds to win the SEC, but that's significantly better than where the Sooners opened months ago, at +6000. Feazel and oddsmakers at other books feel Brent Venables' squad could be an SEC dark horse. "Oklahoma has one of the hardest schedules, but is getting really good action. More action than you'd expect on Oklahoma," Feazel said. "The Sooners are not the dominant offensive team we've seen in past years. They're trying to get that back. "They seem to be a value play in the SEC, driving a lot of money." Patrick Everson is a sports betting analyst for FOX Sports and senior reporter for He is a distinguished journalist in the national sports betting space. He's based in Las Vegas, where he enjoys golfing in 110-degree heat. Follow him on X: @PatrickE_Vegas. ​​Want great stories delivered right to your inbox? Create or log in to your FOX Sports account, and follow leagues, teams and players to receive a personalized newsletter daily! share

Steelers defender reveals season-ending injury on social media
Steelers defender reveals season-ending injury on social media

USA Today

time18 minutes ago

  • USA Today

Steelers defender reveals season-ending injury on social media

The injury news in Pittsburgh keeps coming — and you can't help but feel for Steelers DT Dean Lowry, who took to social media to reveal his season-ending ACL injury. While Lowry was placed on the Reserve/Injured List a few days prior, it was his message on Instagram that caught fans' attention — one of understanding that there are risks required when playing football. "During a training camp practice last week I sustained an ACL injury that will likely end my season," Lowry wrote on Instagram. "Hard to comprehend the thoughts and emotions I have felt since then. Heartbroken I won't get to fully experience the highs and lows of an NFL season with a group I love going to work with. The risks associated with this game and the unique aspect of a football team are what make this sport like no other. I'm completely resolved to turn this negative into a positive with gratitude each step of the way." The nine-year veteran signed with the Steelers back in April 2024 on a two-year deal — providing Pittsburgh with capable, experienced depth on the defensive line. While Lowry tries to find the positives, we at Steelers Wire hope he can bounce back in a major way when recovered next season — potentially earning his way back onto the Steel City roster. For up-to-date Steelers coverage, follow us on X @TheSteelersWire and give our Facebook page a like.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store