STARKVILLE, Miss. — Mississippi State cornerback Kelley Jones has been named to the 2026 Bronko Nagurski Trophy Preseason Watch List, the Football Writers Association of America announced Tuesday.
The Nagurski Trophy, awarded annually since 1993 and named in honor of Hall of Famer Bronko Nagurski, recognizes the top defensive player in college football. Finalists will be announced in November, with the winner revealed in December, according to the FWAA.
Jones, a Clarksdale, Mississippi native, is entering his third season with the Bulldogs. He made an impact in 2025 by playing in 11 games, starting four, and recording 29 tackles. Last season, he earned a starting role and received postseason honors, including All-SEC recognition, establishing himself as a top defensive back in the conference.
FWAA committee members will monitor candidates throughout the fall, and additional weekly honorees may be added leading up to the finalist announcement. The award has honored outstanding defenders for more than three decades and continues to highlight rising stars in college football.
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