30-Player Buck Buchanan Award Watch List Features Top FCS Defenders Across Multiple Conferences

The 2025 Buck Buchanan Award preseason watch list highlights top defensive talent across the FCS, featuring standout players from various conferences including the Missouri Valley, Big Sky, MEAC, SWAC, and Ivy League. South Dakota State's Kobe Clayborne leads his team with 4.5 sacks and earned all-conference honors following his transfer. Montana's Peyton Wing and Montana State's Paul Brott, both preseason all-conference selections, represent the Big Sky Conference alongside UC Davis' Rex Connors. HBCU stars Malcolm Reed (North Carolina Central), Ckelby Givens (Southern University), and Erick Hunter (Morgan State) are recognized for their leadership and impact on defense. The Ivy League’s Ty Bartrum (Harvard) and Abu Kamara (Yale) have also been named to the watch list, reflecting the league's rising defensive profile ahead of its FCS Playoff debut. The award winner will be announced on January 3, 2026, with last season’s winner being Central Arkansas’ David Walker.