4 Sun Belt Athletes Recognized on Bednarik Award Watch List

The Maxwell Football Club has presented the Chuck Bednarik Award to the best defensive player in college football since 1995.

Last year’s winner was none other than Travis Hunter, who also took home the Fred Biletnikoff and Heisman Trophy. Notable past winners also include Charles Woodson, Julius Peppers, David Pollack, Ndamukong Suh, and Aaron Donald.

The Sun Belt Conference has placed four players on the early Bednarik Award Watch List.

𝗕𝗘𝗗𝗡𝗔𝗥𝗜𝗞 𝗔𝗪𝗔𝗥𝗗.

4 @SunBeltFB student-athletes named to Bednarik Award Preseason Watch List. ☀️🏈

📰 » https://t.co/bA2Mf5xv1t pic.twitter.com/REmm9qK6SR

— Sun Belt (@SunBelt) August 11, 2025

Jacob Thomas – James Madison

Thomas is a Senior in the Dukes secondary for the 2025 season. He hails from nearby Ashburn, VA by way of Stone Bridge High School. The 6’1″ 212 pound Safety is also listed on the Paycom Jim Thorpe Award Preseason Watch List, as well as being named First Team All-Sun Belt.

In 2024, Thomas had a breakout year for the Dukes. He started all 13 games and was labeled Second Team All-Sun Belt as a defensive back. He had a career high nine tackles and two pass breakups in the November 16th matchup at in state rival Old Dominion.

For the season, he amassed 72 total tackles, three interceptions, and six pass breakups. Thomas also chipped in eight tackles for loss for a total of 15 yards.

Hear from JMU safety Jacob Thomas as I talked to him after spring practice on Friday.

JT discusses coming back for his last season, learning a new defense, and much more.

🔊 https://t.co/7uKzrPt4Zc @JMUFootball | @jacobthomassb22 pic.twitter.com/PVdwwwaOr5

— Dave Riggert (@DaveRiggert) March 14, 2025

Josh Moten – Southern Miss

Moten is a redshirt senior for the Golden Eagles this season. He follows head coach Charles Huff after claiming the Sun Belt Championship in the 2024 season with Marshall.

The 6’0″ 185 pound Cornerback is from Waldorf, MD and played his high school ball at National Christian Academy. Moten was also voted as a Sun Belt Conference Honorable Mention after starting 12 games and finishing with five interceptions, which tied for 3rd in all of FBS and was the top mark in the Sun Belt.

Four of those five interceptions were secured within the final five games of the year, including one in the Sun Belt Championship victory of the Cajuns of Louisiana.

For his career, Moten has accumulated 69 total tackles, 11 pass breakups, six interceptions, and one touchdown.

Cornerback Josh Moten is a cornerstone of the Southern Miss Defense.

Elite cover skills, speed (<4.3), agility & instincts make him one of the top true cover corners in college football. @thareal_2 🔥 pic.twitter.com/nd6siAkiZS

— USMVoice (@USMVoice) August 9, 2025

Tyree Skipper – Louisiana

Skipper is entering his sixth season with the Cajuns (COVID year). The redshirt senior is listed at 6-2, 207 lbs and hails from New Orleans, LA by way of Sophie B. Wright High School.

In 2024, Skipper was named All-Sun Belt Conference (Second Team). He’s also been named a 2025 Preseason All-Sun Belt Conference (First Team) member.

Last season ended with an injury, causing him to miss the final five games. He still totaled 41 tackles and tied for the team lead with four interceptions.

For his career, Skipper has played in 40 games, accruing 128 total tackles, one sack, seven interceptions, one forced fumble, and one fumble recovery.

Never 𝗦𝗞𝗜𝗣 A Beat 👏

Tyree Skipper’s interception at Wake Forest earns him this week’s 𝗕𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗦𝘁𝗼𝗽 𝗗𝗲𝗳𝗲𝗻𝘀𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗣𝗹𝗮𝘆 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗚𝗮𝗺𝗲! #cULture | #GeauxCajuns pic.twitter.com/hZ6nTAF1xw

— Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns® Football (@RaginCajunsFB) October 1, 2024

Jason Henderson – Old Dominion

Henderson returns to the Monarchs after playing in only one game last year due to injury. Listed at 6-1, 225 lbs, the Dingmans Ferry, PA native will play in his redshirt senior season in 2025.

In 2023, Henderson led the country in tackles and was on pace to become the single-season tackle leader in 2024– a record currently held by former Sun Belt linebacker Carlton Martial (Troy).

Henderson currently sits at 439 career tackles, just 138 shy of tying the record. He has also racked up six total sacks, two forced fumbles, and a fumble recovery in his collegiate career.

One of the most underrated players in the nation: #OldDominion LB Jason Henderson

– Played just 1 game in 2023 but…
– 2022 & 2023: 356 total tackles in 2 seasons (30 TFL)
– All-American (2023)
– Bednarik Award Semi-finalist (2023) pic.twitter.com/mwB5RHyQRI

— Peanut’s Playbook CFB (@peanutsplaybook) June 15, 2025

The Maxwell Club announces award winners at the ESPN Home Depot College Football Awards show on December 11, 2025. The Maxwell Club itself is located in Philadelphia, PA with the awards presentation held at the College Football Hall of Fame in Atlanta, GA in March of 2026.