Johnson Added to Bronko Nagurski Trophy Preseason Watch List
8/4/2026 11:00:00 AM | Football
Veteran safety earns second preseason recognition
DALLAS – Preseason All-Big 12 selection Jamel Johnson has been added to the 2026 Bronko Nagurski Trophy Preseason Watch List, recognizing the safety as a contender for the national defensive player of the year award, the Football Writers Association of America (FWAA) announced on Tuesday.
The Watch List features 68 defensive standouts, including 10 from the Big 12 Conference.
As a junior in 2025 the Arlington native was a key piece of the TCU defense, playing and starting every game at safety. He totaled 96 tackles and had five interceptions, which tied for the most in the Big 12 last season.
His strong season last year built off his successful sophomore campaign, where he had the third most tackles on the Frog squad with 73.
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.
TCU PRESEASON ACCOLADES
Ansel Din-Mbuh – Allstate AFCA Good Works Team Nominee, Outland Trophy Watch List
Jamel Johnson – All-Big 12 Team, Bronko Nagurski Trophy Watch List
Ben Taylor-Whitfield – Outland Trophy Watch List
The Watch List features 68 defensive standouts, including 10 from the Big 12 Conference.
As a junior in 2025 the Arlington native was a key piece of the TCU defense, playing and starting every game at safety. He totaled 96 tackles and had five interceptions, which tied for the most in the Big 12 last season.
His strong season last year built off his successful sophomore campaign, where he had the third most tackles on the Frog squad with 73.
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.
TCU PRESEASON ACCOLADES
Ansel Din-Mbuh – Allstate AFCA Good Works Team Nominee, Outland Trophy Watch List
Jamel Johnson – All-Big 12 Team, Bronko Nagurski Trophy Watch List
Ben Taylor-Whitfield – Outland Trophy Watch List
Players Mentioned
Thursday, July 30
Wednesday, July 29
Tuesday, July 28
Tuesday, April 28
