BYU offensive lineman Suamataia named to the Outland Trophy Watch List

DALLAS — BYU preseason All-American offensive lineman Kingsley Suamataia was named Tuesday to the Outland Trophy Watch List by the Football Writers Association of America.

Since 1946, the Outland Trophy has been awarded annually to the best college football interior lineman and is named after John H. Outland, one of just a few players ever to be named an All-American at two positions.

Suamataia, a 6-6, 315-pound sophomore from Orem, Utah, was previously named to the College Football News Preseason All-America Second Team. In addition, he was selected to the Athlon Sports 2023 All-Big 12 Third Team, the Phil Steele Preseason All-Big 12 Fourth Team and the Big 12 Conference Preseason All-Big 12 Team by media representatives who cover the league.

As a redshirt freshman in 2022, Suamataia started 12 games for BYU and was named Freshman All-American Second Team by The Athletic. He was also named College Football Network All-Independent First Team, Phil Steele All-Independent Second Team and Midseason Freshman All-American Second Team by College Football News.

The 2023 Outland Trophy Watch List features 89 student-athletes from 65 FBS schools. The Big 12 Conference had 10 players honored, representing nine schools, including one each from its four new members—BYU, Cincinnati, Houston and UCF. 

BYU boasts two previous winners of the prestigious Outland Trophy. Offensive lineman Mo Elewonibi won the award in 1989 and defensive lineman Jason Buck earned the trophy in 1986. 

The Outland Trophy winner is chosen from three finalists who are a part of the annual FWAA All-America Team. The FWAA All-America Committee, after voting input from the entire membership, selects a 26-man first team and eventually the three Outland finalists. Committee members, by individual ballot, then select the winner. 

The Outland Trophy is a member of the National College Football Awards Association. Founded in 1997, the NCFAA includes many of college football’s most prestigious awards. The recipient of the 2023 Outland Trophy will be announced on The Home Depot College Football Awards, live on ESPN in December. 

The official presentation to the winner will be made at the Outland Trophy Awards Dinner sponsored by Werner Enterprises and produced by the Greater Omaha Sports Committee in Omaha, Nebraska on Jan. 10, 2024.

Founded in 1941, the Football Writers Association of America consists of 1,300 men and women who cover college football. The membership includes journalists, broadcasters and publicists, as well as key executives in all areas of football. 

Outland Trophy Watch List (89 candidates)