Murdock and Stewart Named to Chuck Bednarik Award Watch List
8/11/2025 12:25:00 PM | Football
BUFFALO, NY – University at Buffalo linebacker Red Murdock and edge Kobe Stewart have both been named to the preseason watch list for the Chuck Bednarik Award, presented annually to the most outstanding defensive player in college football.
Murdock was an All-MAC First Team selection in 2024 after ranking second in the nation in tackles with 156 and adding 16.5 tackles for loss, two sacks and an interception. His seven forced fumbles were a school record and ranked first in the nation. Along with being named All-MAC, Murdock was also an Academic All-MAC and Academic All-District selection.
It is the third preseason watch list for Murdock who is also on the watch list for the Bronko Nagurski Trophy and the Allstate Wuerffel Trophy.
Stewart was a second-team All-MAC selection in 2024 after leading the Mid-American Conference in sacks with 9.5. It was one sack shy of Khalil Mack's UB FBS-era record of 10.5 sacks set in 2013. Stewart added 40 tackles, 12 tackles for loss, a forced fumble and a fumble recovery.
The Bednarik Award has been given to the College Defensive Player of the Year since 1995. It is named in honor of Chuck Bednarik, an NFL Hall of Fame linebacker and center who played his entire career with the Philadelphia Eagles. Known as one of the last "60-minute men" for playing both offense and defense, Bednarik exemplified toughness, excellence, and leadership on the field—values that the award bearing his name seeks to recognize in today's top defensive players.
2025 Preseason Watch List Selections
Maxwell Award - Al-Jay Henderson
Bronko Nagurski Trophy - Red Murdock
Paul Hornung Award – Victor Snow
Allstate Wuerffel Trophy – Red Murdock
Walter Camp Award – Al-Jay Henderson
Chuck Bednarik Award – Red Murdock
Chuck Bednarik Award – Kobe Stewart
The 2025 season kicks off at Minnesota on August 28.
Click here for ticket information.
For all the latest on UB football, follow @UBFootball on Twitter/X, @bullsfb on Instagram and like the UB Football Facebook page.
Click here for information on the Bulls Championship Fund and how you can help UB Athletics.
Murdock was an All-MAC First Team selection in 2024 after ranking second in the nation in tackles with 156 and adding 16.5 tackles for loss, two sacks and an interception. His seven forced fumbles were a school record and ranked first in the nation. Along with being named All-MAC, Murdock was also an Academic All-MAC and Academic All-District selection.
It is the third preseason watch list for Murdock who is also on the watch list for the Bronko Nagurski Trophy and the Allstate Wuerffel Trophy.
Stewart was a second-team All-MAC selection in 2024 after leading the Mid-American Conference in sacks with 9.5. It was one sack shy of Khalil Mack's UB FBS-era record of 10.5 sacks set in 2013. Stewart added 40 tackles, 12 tackles for loss, a forced fumble and a fumble recovery.
The Bednarik Award has been given to the College Defensive Player of the Year since 1995. It is named in honor of Chuck Bednarik, an NFL Hall of Fame linebacker and center who played his entire career with the Philadelphia Eagles. Known as one of the last "60-minute men" for playing both offense and defense, Bednarik exemplified toughness, excellence, and leadership on the field—values that the award bearing his name seeks to recognize in today's top defensive players.
2025 Preseason Watch List Selections
Maxwell Award - Al-Jay Henderson
Bronko Nagurski Trophy - Red Murdock
Paul Hornung Award – Victor Snow
Allstate Wuerffel Trophy – Red Murdock
Walter Camp Award – Al-Jay Henderson
Chuck Bednarik Award – Red Murdock
Chuck Bednarik Award – Kobe Stewart
The 2025 season kicks off at Minnesota on August 28.
Click here for ticket information.
For all the latest on UB football, follow @UBFootball on Twitter/X, @bullsfb on Instagram and like the UB Football Facebook page.
Click here for information on the Bulls Championship Fund and how you can help UB Athletics.
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