Pitt’s offensive line got a notable preseason nod Monday, with Ryan Baer and BJ Williams landing on the 2026 Outland Trophy Preseason Watch List, the Football Writers Association of America announced.
The Outland Trophy goes to the nation’s top interior lineman on either side of the ball, and the Panthers placed two blockers on this year’s list of 68 players. Baer, a tackle, and Williams, a guard, both return with plenty of experience and each already owns Honorable Mention All-ACC recognition.
Baer has appeared in 40 career games and has made 35 starts at tackle. His work has split between 29 starts on the right side and six on the left.
Williams has been just as steady, with 35 career games and 32 starts at right guard. He also made history early in his Pitt career, becoming the first true freshman to start on the Panthers’ offensive line since Dorian Johnson in 2013. On top of that, he’s a three-time All-ACC Academic Football Team selection.
Pitt is one of only three ACC programs with multiple players on the watch list, alongside Miami and SMU. In all, 10 players from the conference were recognized in the preseason.
The Outland Trophy is in its 81st season and remains the third-oldest major award in college football. It was established in 1946 and is named for former Penn All-American lineman Dr. John Outland.
The award process continues later this fall, with semifinalists set for Nov. 18, three finalists coming Nov. 24, and the winner to be announced during The Home Depot College Football Awards on ESPN in December.
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