Zach Greenberg, a senior offensive lineman for James Madison University, has been selected for the 2026 Outland Trophy Watch List, a prestigious honor administered by the Football Writers Association of America. The list, released this week, recognizes 68 standout interior linemen from across the Football Bowl Subdivision as the sport prepares for another competitive season.
The Outland Trophy, first presented in 1946 by Dr. John Outland, stands as the third‑oldest major award in college football and is dedicated to celebrating the most dominant interior defender in the nation. Its long‑standing tradition reflects the enduring impact of linemen who shape the game from the trenches.
Greenberg’s inclusion follows a breakout 2023 campaign in which he started all 14 games at center for the Dukes, a team that captured the Sun Belt Conference title and led the league in scoring, rushing yards and third‑down efficiency. His performance helped the offense post four games with at least 50 points and two contests that exceeded 600 total yards.
He becomes the fifth Duke player to earn a spot on the Outland Trophy watch list, joining Nick Kidwell and James Carpenter in 2023 and Immanuel Bush and Pat McMurtrie in 2025. The recognition underscores the program’s recent rise and highlights Greenberg’s status among the nation’s top interior linemen.
The Road to the 2026 Outland Trophy Ceremony
The semifinalist roster will be trimmed on November 18, with the three finalists set to be revealed on November 24 via ESPN. The ultimate winner will be announced at The Home Depot College Football Awards in December, and the trophy will be presented at the Outland Trophy Awards Dinner in Omaha, Nebraska, on January 27, 2027.
As the season unfolds, Greenberg’s continued excellence could position him among the finalists, adding another chapter to a story that began with a standout high school career and now aims for national acclaim.