Tuesday, the Nagurski and Outland Trophy watch lists were announced. As has been customary with other preseason watch lists, Utah college football players are among the standouts. Here they are as follows:

The Nagurski Trophy is annually awarded to the best player in NCAA Division I FBS college football.

The Outland Trophy is annually awarded to the top interior offensive/defensive lineman in NCAA Division I FBS college football.

Nagurski Trophy Watch List

BYU sophomore linebacker Payton Wilgar (9.5 career sacks, 3 interceptions, forced fumble)

Utah junior linebacker Devin Lloyd (8.5 career sacks, interception, forced fumble)

Outland Trophy Watch List 

BYU junior center James Empey. The former American Fork High School star served as a team captain last season for a Cougars squad that went 11-1 and finished the season ranked No. 4 nationally. Empey’s contributions helped BYU score 43.5 points per game (No. 4 in the nation) last season and amass 522.2 yards per contest in 2020 (No. 7 nationally).