The 2016 Bronko Nagurski Trophy watch list includes 88 defensive standouts from all 10 Division I FBS conferences. The Southeastern Conference leads all conferences with 27 players on the list.
Players may be added or removed from the watch list during the course of the season. Once again, the FWAA will announce a National Defensive Player of the Week from early September through mid November. If not already on the watch list, the honored player will be added at that time. The FWAA and the Charlotte Touchdown Club will announce five finalists for the 2016 Bronko Nagurski Trophy on Thurs.