Louisville got two names onto the 2026 Bronko Nagurski Trophy Watch List, with defensive end Clev Lubin and safety Koen Entringer earning spots among the nation’s 68 defensive standouts.
The Football Writers Association of America announced the list on Tuesday, and Louisville was one of seven programs with two players included. Alabama, Georgia, Ohio State, Oklahoma, Ole Miss and Texas also had a pair of representatives.
The watch list features a strong collection of proven producers, including the linebacker who led the nation in tackles for loss last season, now with a different program, plus three returning All-Americans. It also includes four of the top 10 sack leaders from a year ago, three of the top 12 in total tackles and two of the top interception leaders.
The list is split heavily between the SEC and Big Ten, which account for 30 of the 68 players combined. The Southeastern Conference has 17 selections, while the Big Ten has 13. The Atlantic Coast and Big 12 conferences each placed 10 players on the list.
Finalists for the 2026 trophy will be announced by the FWAA and the Charlotte Touchdown Club on Nov. 19.
The winner will be honored at the Bronko Nagurski Awards Banquet in Charlotte, N.C. on Dec. 7.
Among the other players on the preseason watch list are Melkart Abou Jaoude of North Carolina, Xavier Atkins of Auburn, KJ Bolden of Georgia, Bray Hubbard of Alabama, Kenyatta Jackson Jr. of Ohio State, Colin Simmons of Texas, Donnie Smith of Troy, David Stone of Oklahoma, Will Echoles of Ole Miss, Bryce Llewellyn of Eastern Michigan, Boubacar Traore of Notre Dame, Zach Lutmer of Iowa, Jaylen McClain of Ohio State, Leonard Moore of Notre Dame, Koi Perich of Oregon, Whit Weeks of LSU, Raylen Wilson of Georgia and Marcus Ratcliffe of Texas A&M.
In Other News...
Pat Kelsey Responds To Peyton Siva Exit Louisville Fans Felt
Louisvilles offseason staff turnover has kept the program in a state of adjustment, with Executive Director Brian Kloman heading to Auburn and assistant coach Thomas Carr moving on to Indiana. Now Peyton Siva, one of the most recognizable former Cardinals to return as both a player and assistant coach, has also left, adding another notable change to a bench that has already looked different from the one Louisville ended last season with.
Pat Kelsey addressed the move publicly and made it clear he held no ill will toward Siva, saying he understood the decision and respected it. For a program trying to keep momentum while piecing together a new-look staff, the tone matters as much as the personnel, and Kelseys response suggested the relationship remains intact even as Louisville keeps navigating a busy offseason. [Read more 🡒]
Louisville Defense Is Getting Hype Now Brohm Has To Deliver
Louisvilles defense is starting to draw some early national attention, with Koen Entringer and Clev Lubin landing on the preseason watch list for the Nagurski Award. It is the kind of recognition that usually shows up before a team has even taken a meaningful snap in August, but it does reflect the expectation surrounding a unit that should be central to the Cardinals hopes this fall.
Brohms team will get its first six fall camp practices in front of the public on specified dates in August, giving fans an early look at how that defensive buzz translates on the field. There is plenty else happening around Louisville sports too, from the basketball programs No. 12 spot in Jeff Borzells early rankings to Amelia Swinarskis preseason All-ACC Team nod and Lou Citys upcoming "Fill the Fam" game, but for football the bigger question remains whether the hype can turn into something more concrete once the real work begins. [Read more 🡒]
Pat Kelsey Still Sees One Roster Twist Louisville Fans Should Watch
Pat Kelsey likes where Louisville stands heading into the season, and for good reason. The Cardinals spent the spring putting together a roster he believes is ready to compete, and the coach said the group has made clear progress as the calendar has moved toward fall. Even with the usual preseason optimism, Kelsey made it clear this is not a year for anybody around the program to get too comfortable.
The reason is the backdrop around college sports itself, where lawsuits and legislative moves continue to leave eligibility rules in flux. Kelsey said Louisville has to stay alert to the possibility that more players could become available as the legal picture shifts, even as the staff prepares as if the current roster is the one it will have. For now, the Cardinals can focus on the team they built, but there is still at least one twist to keep watching before the season gets here. [Read more 🡒]