Fitzgerald, Moten, Wilson Named to Bronko Nagurski Trophy Watch List
CORAL GABLES, Fla. – Miami defensive back Bryce Fitzgerald and defensive linemen Ahmad Moten Sr. and Damon Wilson II were named to the preseason watch list for the Bronko Nagurski Trophy, the Football Writers Association of America announced Tuesday.
The Bronko Nagurski Trophy, presented by the FWAA and the Charlotte Touchdown Club, is awarded annually to the nation’s most outstanding defensive player.
Fitzgerald emerged as one of the country’s top young defensive backs during his freshman campaign in 2025 as the Miami native appeared in 16 games with four starts, totaling 16 tackles, six interceptions and eight passes defended.
Moten is coming off the best season of his Miami career as the Fort Lauderdale, Fla., native started 14 games in 2025 and recorded 31 tackles, nine tackles for loss and 4.5 sacks. The redshirt senior has appeared in 38 games with 16 starts during his time with the Hurricanes, totaling 51 tackles, 12.5 tackles for loss and 5.5 sacks.
Wilson joined Miami after a standout 2025 season at Missouri, where he started 12 games and finished with 23 tackles. He notched nine sacks and added 9.5 tackles for loss, one interception, three pass breakups and one fumble recovery. From Venice, Fla., Wilson began his collegiate career at Georgia and has compiled 49 tackles, 15.5 tackles for loss and 12.5 sacks across 39 career appearances. Wilson has also registered two forced fumbles, three fumble recoveries, one interception and three pass breakups.
The FWAA and the Charlotte Touchdown Club will announce finalists for the 2026 trophy on Nov. 19. The official presentation to the recipient of the 2026 Bronko Nagurski Trophy will be at the Bronko Nagurski Awards Banquet in Charlotte, N.C. on Dec. 7.
Miami opens its 2026 season Sept. 4 at Stanford. Kickoff is set for 9 p.m. on ESPN.
