Ole Miss Defensive Lineman Will Echoles Named to Wuerffel Trophy Preseason Watch List

ATLANTA — Ole Miss defensive lineman Will Echoles has been named to the Wuerffel Trophy preseason watch list for 2026, the Wuerffel Foundation announced Tuesday.

The award honors FBS players who demonstrate leadership through community service while excelling academically and athletically. Echoles, a junior, is returning for his third season at Ole Miss, following a standout 2025 campaign that earned him all-conference and All-America honors.

During the 2025 season, Echoles started all 15 games at defensive tackle, recording 68 tackles, 11.5 tackles for loss, and five sacks. He was named the Sugar Bowl Defensive MVP after posting five tackles, two tackles for loss, and two pass breakups against Georgia.

He is also on the preseason watch list for the Outland Trophy and the Bronko Nagurski Trophy, and was selected to the preseason All-SEC first team by media. The list will be narrowed to 11 semifinalists in September, who will be considered for the Allstate AFCA Good Works Team. The winner will be announced at the Home Depot College Football Awards on December 11.

Ole Miss is set to begin the 2026 season on Sept. 6 against Louisville at Nissan Stadium in Nashville, Tennessee. The Rebels are coming off a College Football Playoff semifinal appearance in 2025.

Source: Original Article