⚡ CFB Dashboard

PHILADELPHIA, Pa.—Jax State safety Caleb Nix was named to the watch list for the 32 nd Chuck Bednarik Award by the Maxwell Football Club today. The award is presented annually to the outstanding defensive player in college football. Nix was named First-Team All-Conference USA during his first season with the Gamecocks after making four interceptions which tied for first in the league. The Phenix City native set a new program record for return yardage at 191, highlighted by a 93-yard interception return for a touchdown at UTEP and a 45-yard fumble recovery for a touchdown against Delaware. He finished the season with 63 total tackles, four for loss, broke up three passes, and recovered three fumbles. Nix was also named to Phil Steele's 2026 Preseason First-Team All-Conference USA and Phil Steele's All-Meathead Team. Just two Conference USA players were named to the list. The award is named in honor of Chuck "Concrete Charlie" Bednarik who was an All-American player at the University of Pennsylvania and later a multiple year All Pro linebacker and center for the Philadelphia Eagles. Jax State will open up its 2026 season on Saturday, August 29 th at North Dakota State at 4:30 p.m. on CBS Sports Network.