Wilgar selected to the Bronko Nagurski Trophy watch list for a second time

DALLAS — For the second-straight season, BYU linebacker Payton Wilgar has been named to the preseason watch list for the Bronko Nagurski Trophy by the Football Writers Association of America. 

Awarded annually since 1993 to the nation's top defensive player, the trophy is named in honor of Bronislaw "Bronko" Nagurski, a two-way player from the University of Minnesota. Nagurski dominated college football in the late 1920s before becoming a star for the Chicago Bears in the NFL. He was later recognized as a charter member of both the College Football and Pro Football Halls of Fame.

Wilgar, a 6-3, 245-pound junior from St. George, Utah, was named the Pro Football Network All-Independent Linebacker of the Year last season. He was also selected to the 2021 PFN All-Independent First Team as well as the Phil Steele All-Independent Second Team. 

A three-year starter at linebacker for BYU, Wilgar was also named to the watch list for the 2022 Butkus Award for the second year in a row. Since 1986, the Butkus Award has been presented annually to the nation's best linebacker. 

Despite missing the final three games of the 2021 season due to injury, Wilgar was second on the team in assisted tackles with 27 and tackles of loss with 6. He was third in total tackles with 56 and solo tackles with 29.

The 85 defensive standouts on the 2022 Bronko Nagurski Trophy watch list includes 25 linebackers, 18 safeties, 17 defensive ends, 13 cornerbacks and 12 defensive tackles.

After receiving voting input from the FWAA membership, The FWAA awards committee will announce the five finalists for the 2022 trophy on Nov. 16. The winner will be unveiled Dec. 5 at the Bronko Nagurski Awards Banquet in Charlotte, North Carolina.

Founded in 1941, the Football Writers Association of America consists of journalists, broadcasters, publicists, photographers and key executives in all areas of college football. The FWAA works to govern media access and gameday operations while presenting awards and honors, including an annual All-America team.