All the Penn State Players Named to Award Watch Lists

STATE COLLEGE, PENNSYLVANIA - OCTOBER 11: Ryan Barker #94 of the Penn State Nittany Lions prepares to kick a field goal against the Northwestern Wildcats at Beaver Stadium on October 11, 2025 in State College, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Isaiah Vazquez/Getty Images) | Getty Images

It’s watch list season! As of this publication, nine Nittany Lions have been named to 10 different watch lists (tight end Benjamin Brahmer received two nods thus far). See the full list below, and here’s hoping for the kind of season that ends with several Penn Staters bringing home hardware.

K Ryan Barker – Lou Groza Award (top placekicker in college football)

QB Rocco Becht – Maxwell Award (best all-around player in college football)

TE Benjamin Brahmer – Lombardi Award (nation’s top lineman on offense or defense), Mackey Award (top tight end in college football)

TE Gabe Burkle – Mackey Award (top tight end in college football)

C/G Cooper Cousins – Wuerffel Trophy (community service)

LB Kooper Ebel – Butkus Award (top linebacker in college football)

C Brock Riker – Rimington Trophy (top center in college football)

LB Tony Rojas – Lott IMPACT Trophy (top defensive player in college football)

LS Blaise Sokach-Minnick – Mannelly Award (best long snapper in college football)