University of Pittsburgh Athletics
Lovelace Placed on Chuck Bednarik Award Watch List
8/21/2026 12:00:00 PM | Football
PITTSBURGH – Pitt linebacker Braylan Lovelace was named to the Chuck Bednarik Award Watch List, the Maxwell Football Club announced today.
The Bednarik Award is presented annually to the nation's top defensive player. Lovelace is one of 12 players from the ACC on the 2026 watch list.
Lovelace is Pitt's most experienced returning linebacker. The Leechburg, Pa., native played in all 13 games for the Panthers last season, compiling 80 tackles, 5.5 tackles for loss, two interceptions, two pass breakups and one sack while earning Honorable Mention All-ACC honors.
The rising senior produced one of Pitt's defining plays of 2025 when he returned an interception 100 yards for a touchdown in the Panthers' road victory over No. 16 Georgia Tech. The performance earned him ACC Linebacker of the Week honors.
In three years at Pitt, Lovelace has totaled 157 tackles, 17 tackles for loss, five sacks, three interceptions and three touchdowns. He has scored a defensive touchdown in each of his three collegiate seasons.
Lovelace was also named to the 2026 Butkus Award Watch List and received first-team preseason All-ACC recognition from Athlon Sports and Phil Steele.
The Bednarik Award has been presented each year since 1994 and is named in honor of College and Pro Football Hall of Famer Chuck Bednarik. After semifinalists are announced in November, the winner will be announced as part of the ESPN Home Depot College Football Awards Show held in December.
Pitt legend Aaron Donald brought home the award in 2013 following his historic season.
