College Football Defense Awards Preview 2023

Who might we see take home college football's individual hardware on the defensive side of the ball in 2023?

© Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK

Award Watch List season is almost here as the college football season draws nearer. Who do we think takes home awards like the Butkus Award for the nation's top linebacker to the Bronco Nagurski Trophy for the FWAA's best defensive player?

Find our predictions for Offensive Awards for the 2023 college football season here.

Bednarik Award & Bronko Nagurski Trophy: Defensive Player of the Year

© Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports

Harold Perkins is a disruptor. As a true freshman last season, he logged 7.5 sacks at 14 additional QB hits. At linebacker, he also has the advantage of playing behind a defensive line that wreaks havoc and alongside All-Pac 12 transfer Omar Speights. Even as just a sophomore, Perkins has the skillset and opportunity to become the nation's most productive defensive player.

Other players to watch include his teammate, Maason Smith, Georgia's Jamon Dumas-Johnson, and Florida State's Jared Verse.

Winner prediction: Harold Perkins, LSU

Rotary Lombardi Award: Best Defensive Lineman

© Melina Myers-USA TODAY Sports

Verse surprised many when he decided to return for another season in Tallahassee. Already deemed a fringe first-round NFL Draft selection, he chose to improve his draft stock and is now discussed as an early top-10 pick candidate.

He transferred to Florida State from UAlbany as the top FCS transfer. In 2022, he racked up nine sacks and eight more tackles for loss, both tops on an FSU defense that ranked 23rd in scoring (21.8 points per game).

Other names to watch for this award include Georgia's Mykel Williams, Ohio State's JT Tuimoloau, and Washington's Bralen Trice.

Winner prediction: Jared Verse, Florida State

Outland Trophy: Best Interior Lineman

© Melina Myers-USA TODAY Sports

Smith missed a majority of his freshman season after suffering a torn ACL in Week 1. At 6-foot-6 and 300 pounds, he presents one of the biggest mismatches in all of the SEC. He benefits from playing alongside Mekhi Wingo Jr. and transfer Ovie Oghoufo on the defensive line, players that demand their own attention, setting Smith up for plenty of one-on-one opportunities.

Because he missed last year, Smith may fly under the radar of opposing coaches, who instead have to figure out how to scheme Perkins out of the game. A strong secondary also affords LSU's defensive front more time to get to the quarterback.

This award is given to both offensive and defensive players. Other names to consider include Cooper Beebe (Kansas State offensive guard), Tyler Davis (Clemson defensive tackle), and Dontay Corleone (Cincinnati DT).

Winner prediction: Maason Smith, LSU

Jim Thorpe Award: Best Defensive Back

© Marvin Gentry-USA TODAY Sports

McKinstry projects to be the next in a long line of stud defensive backs produced by Alabama. The Tide slipped a bit defensively (by Bama standards) while focusing on generating big offensive players, but return a stud roster this year.

McKinstry led the nation with 15 pass breakups and picked another off last season as a sophomore. A ferocious pass rush led by Dallas Turner could force faster throws and more errant passes, benefitting McKinstry on the back end.

Other names in contention include Kalen King (Penn State), Cole Bishop (Utah), and Yam Banks (South Alabama).

Winner prediction: Kool-Aid McKinstry, Alabama

Butkus Award: Best Linebacker

© Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK

Eichenberg was named a first team All American as a sophomore for Ohio State last year. He returns after racking up 120 tackles – tied for most in the Big Ten – and nine tackles for loss. Eichenberg spearheads a linebacking unit that Phil Steele ranks eighth-best in his preseason unit ranking. Defensive coordinator Jim Knowles, known for his aggressive system that uses creative blitzes, also returns for Year 2.

Other names in contention to win the Butkus Award include Perkins, Alabama's Dallas Turner, Texas' Jaylan Ford, and Georgia's Jamon Dumas-Johnson.

Winner prediction: Tommy Eichenberg, Ohio State

---

Want to join the discussion? Click here to become a member of the Killer Frogs message board community today!

Follow KillerFrogs on Twitter to stay up to date on all the latest TCU news! Follow KillerFrogs on Facebook and Instagram as well. Download the KillerFrogs app on Google Play or in the Apple App Store.