Story by
Tulane's Jack Tchienchou Named to 2026 Bednarik Award Watch List
- Story by
- Tulane's Jack Tchienchou Named to 2026 Bednarik Award Watch List
(IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Tulane Green Wave standout Jack Tchienchou continues to pick up recognition ahead of the regular season.
The senior defensive back has been named to the 2026 Chuck Bednarik Award Watch List by the Maxwell Football Club. Since 1995, the award has been given annually to the best defensive player in college football. It's named in honor of Chuck Bednarik, who played on both offense and defense for the Philadelphia Eagles and was later inducted into the NFL Hall of Fame as a linebacker and center.
Advertisement
Tchienchou is one of 91 players recognized on the watch list ahead of the season. He is also just one of 13 players from a non-Power 4 school to make the list.
This is one of many preseason accolades that Tchienchou has garnered thus far: in the past few weeks, he's been named to the 2026 Jim Thorpe Award Preseason Watchlist and the 2026 Bronko Nagurski Trophy Preseason Watch List. He's also been tabbed as a Third-Team Preseason All-Conference Selection by Pro Football Network and a Fourth-Team Preseason All-Conference Selection by Athlon Sports.
There's good reason why Tchienchou is heading into the season with big expectations placed on his shoulders. The native of Atlanta, Georgia, started all 14 games at safety for the Green Wave in 2025. He led the team with 83 tackles and did a bit of damage all over the field, ending the year with an additional 2.5 tackles-for-loss, one sack, three pass breakups, two interceptions, one fumble recovery and one forced fumble. He was a First Team American All-Conference honoree by league coaches and was named the Most Oustanding Player of the 2025 American Conference Championship Game after playing a pivotal role in taking down the North Texas Mean Green.
So far, Tchienchou has had a strong start to fall camp. He is expected to be one of the biggest defensive difference-makers in the league and could play a massive role in helping the Olive Green and Sky Blue return to the American Conference Championship and the College Football Playoff.
Advertisement
Semifinalists for the Bednarik Award will be named on November 10th, with the three finalists recognized on November 26th. The winner will be announced on December 10th as part of the ESPN Home Depot College Football Awards Show.
Tulane will begin its 2026 campaign under head coach Will Hall on the road as it takes on the defending ACC Champion Duke Blue Devils. Kickoff is set for 2:30 p.m. CT on Saturday, September 5th.
