The Football Writers Association of America has released its preseason watch lists for the Outland and Bronko Nagurski trophies, spotlighting the top interior linemen and defensive players who are expected to shape the 2025 college football landscape.
Among those recognized, Ole Miss defensive tackle Will Echoles earned dual inclusion, landing on both the Outland Trophy and Bronko Nagurski Trophy watch lists after a standout 2025 season that culminated with Sugar Bowl Defensive MVP honors and all-conference accolades.
Guard Patrick Kutas also received preseason notice, being named to the Outland Trophy list as one of the nation’s most dominant offensive linemen; his contributions helped the Rebels rank second nationally in yards per game and tenth in scoring.
Linebacker Suntarine Perkins was selected for the Bronko Nagurski list after posting 81 total tackles, 12.5 tackles for loss and 4.5 sacks, finishing second in the country in total stops and earning praise for his relentless pass rush.
Upcoming Matchups and Award Ceremonies
The Rebels open the 2026 campaign with a high-profile matchup against Louisville at Nissan Stadium in Nashville, Tennessee, scheduled for September 6 at 6:30 p.m. Central Time, a game that will test their early-season chemistry.
Award announcements will follow a tight timeline, with Outland semifinalists revealed on November 18, finalists on November 24, and the trophy presentations set for early December, while the Bronko Nagurski finalists will be announced on November 19 and the winner crowned on December 7.
Media voters have also placed Echoles on the 2026 preseason all-SEC first team and Perkins on the second team, reflecting continued confidence in the Rebels’ defensive depth.
Overall, the early recognitions underscore Ole Miss’s ambition to contend for conference supremacy and national acclaim as the program looks to build on a 2025 season that saw explosive offensive production and a defense that ranked among the nation’s best.