Florida Football Honors
Florida Gators Linebacker Myles Graham Named to Chuck Bednarik Award Preseason Watchlist
Florida Gators junior linebacker Myles Graham has been named to the Chuck Bednarik Award preseason watchlist, recognizing college football's best defensive player Naples News. Graham started all 2025 regular season games and led Florida with 76 tackles (36 solo) and 7.0-plus tackles-for-loss, placing him among only four SEC players to post 75-plus tackles and 7-plus tackles-for-loss Jacksonville. The award winner will be announced on December 24.
This marks Graham's third straight year on the Butkus Award and Allstate Wuerfell Trophy preseason watch lists Gainesville. Defensive end LJ McCray, a redshirt sophomore, also earned recognition on the 2026 College Football Comeback Player of the Year preseason watch list Palm Beach Post.
Graham's Elite Defensive Statistics
Myles Graham delivered dominant performance statistics in his junior season for the Gators Florida Today. He logged 76 total tackles with 36 solo tackles. His 7.0-plus tackles-for-loss ranked among the SEC's elite defensive linemen and linebackers News-Journal Online. This production earned him watch list consideration alongside the nation's top defensive prospects.
Recognition Across Three Major Awards
Graham has now earned spots on three prestigious preseason awards watch lists in consecutive years News-Press. The Bednarik Award goes to college football's best overall defensive player. The Butkus Award honors top linebackers. The Allstate Wuerfell Trophy recognizes character and integrity Daily Commercial. This three-time recognition underscores his importance to Florida's defense.
McCray Also Earns Comeback Player Honors
Redshirt sophomore defensive end LJ McCray joined Graham on the awards circuit this season Herald Tribune. McCray made the 2026 College Football Comeback Player of the Year preseason watch list Ocala. The honor recognizes players who overcome significant obstacles to return and compete at a high level. His inclusion demonstrates depth in Florida's defensive talent pipeline.
SEC Competition for Defensive Honors
Graham competed against elite SEC linebackers and defensive ends for watch list spots Yahoo Sports. Only four total SEC players matched his 75-plus tackles and 7-plus tackles-for-loss combination in 2025 The Ledger. The Bednarik Award voting later this year will pit Graham against top defensive players from across the nation. Florida's defensive success hinges on continued excellence from Graham and emerging players like McCray.
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