Jones Named To Bronko Nagurski Trophy Preseason Watch List
August 04, 2026 | Football
STARKVILLE — Mississippi State cornerback Kelley Jones has been named to the 2026 Bronko Nagurski Trophy Preseason Watch List, the Football Writers Association of America (FWAA) announced Tuesday.
The prestigious award is presented annually by the FWAA to the top defensive player in college football. The watch list features standout defensive players from across the country, with finalists set to be announced in November before the winner is unveiled in December.
Jones enters the 2026 season looking to build on a rapidly ascending career in Starkville. The Clarksdale, Mississippi native broke out during his second season by appearing in 11 games with four starts and collecting 29 tackles. Earning a primary starting role as a last season, Jones garnered postseason recognition—including All-SEC honors—while establishing himself as one of the conference's premier lockdown defensive backs.
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The Bronko Nagurski Trophy has been presented by the FWAA since 1993. In 1995, the award was named in honor of the legendary two-way Minnesota player and Pro Football Hall of Famer Bronislaw "Bronko" Nagurski. Committee members will continue to monitor watch list candidates throughout the fall, and the FWAA may add weekly honorees to the list leading up to the selection of the finalists.
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