30-07-2025
Two Ohio State players named to the 2025 Bronko Nagurski preseason watch list
The preseason watch list parade continued on Tuesday with the Football Writers Association of America releasing the 2025 Bronko Nagurski preseason watch list, and there are two Ohio State players among the 60 names initially announced.
Safety Caleb Downs, who is pretty much on every single preseason watch list he's eligible for, was among the players named, as was linebacker Sonny Styles. The Nagurski is awarded to the player judged to be the best defensive player in college football annually and has been handed out by the Charlotte Touchdown Club in conjunction with the FWAA. The Trophy has been around since 1993, with two OSU players having won the award. Current Ohio State assistant coach James Laurinaitis won the Trophy in 2006, and defensive end Chase Young took it home in 2019.
Downs should get plenty of consideration and might be the favorite to take it home before the season starts. He was a unanimous All-American last year after transferring from Alabama. He has been named to every single preseason first-team All-American team for 2025 so far.
Styles is entering his senior year after really coming on at the tail-end of last season. He was second on the team with 100 tackles and could have a major breakout year with his athleticism continuing to catch up with the game coming to him more at the linebacker position. He's been recognized on several preseason All-American teams so far as well.
The list can and will change throughout the year, with additional players being added as performance dictates. The Trophy will be awarded on December 8 at the Bronko Nagurski Awards Banquet in Charlotte, North Carolina.
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