Minnesota defensive lineman Anthony Smith has been named to the Chuck Bednarik Award preseason watch list, putting him among the players being tracked for college football’s top defensive-player honor.

Smith produced 17.5 tackles for loss and a Big Ten-leading 12.5 sacks in 2025. Those numbers also moved him within range of Minnesota’s career records for tackles for loss and sacks as the 2026 season approaches.

Source: Minnesota Athletics