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Tulane's Jack Tchienchou Named to 2026 Bronko Nagurski Trophy Preseason Watch List
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- Tulane's Jack Tchienchou Named to 2026 Bronko Nagurski Trophy Preseason Watch List
(IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Tulane Green Wave safety Jack Tchienchou is receiving some well-deserved recognition heading into the 2026 season.
Tchienchou was recently named to the 2026 Bronko Nagurski Trophy Preseason Watch List by the Football Writers Association of America (FWAA). The prestigious award is given each year to the National Defensive Player of the Year, with no limitation to conference or position.
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Players from 68 different schools across Division I FBS teams are up for the honor. Tchienchou is just one of 16 safeties nationally to make the list and only one of two players from the American Conference recognized. To put this into perspective, he's making a serious case to be the top safety -- if not the top overall defender -- in the league this year. He could easily finish the year as a nationally acclaimed defender at his position.
Additionally, he's one of three Louisiana players and one of 15 non-Power 4 student-athletes to be nominated -- a testament to just how many eyes are on him this year. The watch list also includes 21 linebackers, 13 defensive ends, 10 defensive tackles and eight cornerbacks from across the nation.
Tchienchou was a key part of the 2025 Green Wave team, which ultimately claimed the American Conference Championship and reached the College Football Playoff for the first time in program history . The redshirt junior from Atlanta, Georgia, started all 14 games for the Olive Green and Sky Blue last year, ultimately leading the team with 83 total tackles. He also totaled three pass breakups, two interceptions, 2.5 tackles-for-loss, one sack, one forced fumble and one fumble recovery.
Tchienchou was named a 2025 First Team American All-Conference selection following a vote of the league's coaches. Additionally, he was named the Most Outstanding Player of the 2025 American Conference Championship Game after totaling nine tackles, an interception, a forced fumble and a fumble recovery in a win over the North Texas Mean Green.
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Prior to the 2026 season, the defensive standout was a First Team Preseason selection by both Phil Steele and Athlon Sports.
Though things look different in Uptown under the leadership of first-year head coach Will Hall, Tchienchou is a defensive anchor who will look to carry the mentality of that storied 2025 team into a new season. He brought the toughness, physicality and energy last year, and the sky is truly the limit as he enters what will ultimately be a massive season in his collegiate career.
