Jackson Jr. and McClain Placed on the Nagurski Preseason Watch List
8/4/2026 12:29:00 PM | Football
The Buckeye defensive duo makes Ohio State one of three schools in the Big Ten to have multiple defenders on the list.
DALLAS, Texas – Ohio State has a pair of players in defensive lineman Kenyatta Jackson Jr. and defensive back Jaylen McClain on the 2026 Bronko Nagurski Trophy Preseason Watch List, as announced by the FWAA on Tuesday.Â
The duo makes Ohio State one of three schools in the Big Ten to have multiple defenders on the list.Â
More on the Watch List MembersÂ
Both Jackson and McClain are coming off impact first seasons as full-time starters after also being key contributors to the 2025 National Championship team. They helped lead the No. 1 defense in the country, leading the nation in scoring defense, total defense, passing yards allowed, first down defense and red zone defense.Â
The 130 points allowed and 9.3 points allowed per game in 2025 were both FBS records in the College Football Playoff Era (2014-Present). Additionally, it is the second-fewest in the BCS and CFP era (1999-Present). It is the fewest allowed since Alabama allowed 106 points and 8.1 points per game in 2011.Â
With the help of Jackson and McClain the Buckeyes have had the top scoring defense and total defense each of the last two seasons and over that span are 2.2 points per game and 23.7 yards per game better than anyone else in the country:Â
FBS Scoring Defense since 2024Â
FBS Total Defense since 2024Â
Jackson finished the 2025 season second on the team with 11.0 tackles for loss and second on the team with 6.5 sacks, helping earn honorable mention All-Big Ten honors. Against Penn State in November, Jackson recorded a career-high 2.0 sacks and a career-best 2.5 tackles for loss. Additionally, he played some of his best football down the stretch recording a sack in the win at No. 15 Michigan and got another sack in the Big Ten Championship Game against No. 2 Indiana.Â
McClain was named Third Team All-Big Ten while also being Academic All-Big Ten Conference in 2025. He ended the season with 53 total tackles which ranked sixth on the team while also having three pass breakups. Additionally, he posted multiple tackles in 13 of 14 games.Â
Outland Trophy ProcessÂ
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.Â
Ohio State Preseason HonorsÂ
The duo makes Ohio State one of three schools in the Big Ten to have multiple defenders on the list.Â
More on the Watch List MembersÂ
Both Jackson and McClain are coming off impact first seasons as full-time starters after also being key contributors to the 2025 National Championship team. They helped lead the No. 1 defense in the country, leading the nation in scoring defense, total defense, passing yards allowed, first down defense and red zone defense.Â
The 130 points allowed and 9.3 points allowed per game in 2025 were both FBS records in the College Football Playoff Era (2014-Present). Additionally, it is the second-fewest in the BCS and CFP era (1999-Present). It is the fewest allowed since Alabama allowed 106 points and 8.1 points per game in 2011.Â
With the help of Jackson and McClain the Buckeyes have had the top scoring defense and total defense each of the last two seasons and over that span are 2.2 points per game and 23.7 yards per game better than anyone else in the country:Â
FBS Scoring Defense since 2024Â
| Rank | Team | Points Per Game since 2024 |
| 1. | Ohio State | 11.2 PPG |
| 2. | Indiana | 13.4 PPG |
| 3. | Notre Dame | 16.4 PPG |
| 4. | Iowa | 17.0 PPG |
| 5. | Texas | 17.6 PPG |
| Rank | Team | Yards Allowed Per Game since 2024 |
| 1. | Ohio State | 238.0 Yds/G |
| 2. | Indiana | 261.7 Yds/G |
| 3. | James Madison | 293.2 Yds/G |
| 4. | Oregon | 294.1 Yds/G |
| 5. | Oklahoma | 295.4 Yds/G |
McClain was named Third Team All-Big Ten while also being Academic All-Big Ten Conference in 2025. He ended the season with 53 total tackles which ranked sixth on the team while also having three pass breakups. Additionally, he posted multiple tackles in 13 of 14 games.Â
Outland Trophy ProcessÂ
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.Â
Ohio State Preseason HonorsÂ
- Â Phil Steele:Â Â
- Six Ohio State players were named preseason All-Americans by the publication while 16 Buckeyes were placed on the preseason All-Big Ten team. Â
- Athlon Sports:Â Â
- Seven Ohio State players were named preseason All-Americans by the publication while 16 Buckeyes were placed on the preseason All-Big Ten team.Â
- Walter Camp:Â Â
- Junior wide receiver Jeremiah Smith and redshirt junior offensive lineman Austin Siereveld were placed on the first team while redshirt sophomore quarterback Julian Sayin was listed as a preseason second team selection by the organization. Â
- Lott IMPACT Trophy Watch List:Â Â
- AFCA Good Works Nominees:Â
- Jaylen McClainÂ
- Head coach Ryan DayÂ
- Shriners Children's East-West Bowl 1000Â
- Ohio State football had 19 players selected to the Shriners Children's East-West Bowl 1000. The list includes a representative from almost every position room at Ohio State including five defensive lineman, four offensive linemen, three safeties and three wide receivers.Â
- Big Ten Preseason Honors List:Â
- Maxwell Preseason Watch List:Â
- Mannelly Preseason Watch List:Â
- Outland Trophy Watch List:Â
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