PHILADELPHIA - San José State senior linebacker Jordan Pollard has been named to the 31st Chuck Bednarik Award Watch List, as announced Monday by the Maxwell Football Club. The Bednarik Award has been presented annually to the College Defensive Player of the Year since 1995.
Pollard becomes the first Spartan to be named to the prestigious watch list since Viliami “Junior” Fehoko earned the honor in 2022, continuing San José State’s tradition of defensive excellence.
Pollard finished 2024 with career-highs in tackles (115), tackles for loss (14), pass breakups (3), sacks (2), and also added an interception. His team leading 115 tackles in 2024, which ranked third in the Mountain West Conference and 25th nationally.
The Bednarik Award, established in 1995, is named in honor of Chuck Bednarik, a legendary NFL Hall of Fame linebacker and center who played his entire career with the Philadelphia Eagles. Known as one of the game’s last “60-minute men,” Bednarik’s legacy of toughness, versatility, and leadership is reflected in the award’s recipients.
Pollard is one of 90 players named to this year’s watch list, which includes representatives from programs across the Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS). The list will be narrowed down to semifinalists on November 11, followed by three finalists on November 25, with the winner announced at the ESPN Home Depot College Football Awards Show on December 11, 2025.
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Jordan Pollard, LB, Sr., Los Angeles, Calif./Faith Lutheran HS
- Preseason All-Mountain West (2024, 25)
- Phil Steele Preseason Mountain West First-Team Defense (2025)
- Athlon Sports Preseason Mountain West First-Team Defense (2025)
- All-Mountain West First Team (2024)
- Shrine Bowl 1000 Watch List (2025)
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