FSU defensive back Ja’Bril Rawls named to Bednarik Award watch list

TALLAHASSEE, FL - APRIL 9: Defensive Back Ja'Bril Rawls #6 of the Florida State Seminoles works out during Spring Football Practice at the Albert J. Dunlap Athletic Training Facility on the campus of Florida State University on April 9, 2026 in Tallahassee, Florida. (Photo by Don Juan Moore/Getty Images for ONIT) | Getty Images

Florida State defensive back Ja’Bril Rawls became the latest Seminoles’ player to earn a preseason honor, earning a spot on the Bednarik Award watch list on Friday.

The award, named after the College and Pro Football Hall of Fame linebacker and center, is given to the outstanding defensive player by the Maxwell Football Club.

Rawls became a starter in 2025, logging 40 tackles, 2.0 tackles for loss, two pass breakups, one interception and one fumble recovery before suffering a season-ending injury. He had a breakout game against Virginia, registering 11 tackles, 1.0 tackle for loss and one interception, the first Seminole with that stat line since 2005.

Over his career, Rawls has 58 tackles, 2.0 tackles for loss, three pass breakups, one interception and one fumble recovery.

2026 Florida State Preseason Honors

• 7/20: Duce Robinson – Good Works Team Nominee
• 7/29: Duce Robinson – Preseason All-ACC
• 8/3: Duce Robinson – Maxwell Award Watch List
• 8/6: Duce Robinson – Sporting News Preseason All-American Second Team
• 8/7: Gabe Panikowski – Groza Award Watch List
• 8/11: Duce Robinson – Wuerffel Trophy Watch List
• 8/14: Daniel Hughes – Ray Guy Award Watch List
• 8/17: Duce Robinson – Walter Camp Player of the Year Watch List
• 8/18: Ousmane Kromah – Doak Walker Award Watch List
• 8/18: Quintrevion Wisner – Doak Walker Award Watch List
• 8/19: Duce Robinson – Biletnikoff Award Watch 
• 8/21: Ja’Bril Rawls – Bednarik Award Watch List