Four Georgia defenders placed on Nagurski Award watch list

Four Georgia Bulldogs defenders have been named to the 2025 Bronko Nagurski Trophy Watch List, marking another sign of the program’s defensive excellence under Kirby Smart. Safety KJ Bolden, cornerback Daylen Everette, linebacker C.J. Allen, and defensive tackle Christen Miller each earned spots on the 60-player list, which honors the top defensive player in college football. The announcement further confirms Georgia’s reputation as a breeding ground for elite defensive talent and places each of these Bulldogs in the national spotlight heading into the fall.

KJ Bolden, a former five-star recruit, quickly lived up to his billing in Athens with his range, physicality, and instincts in the secondary. Now entering his sophomore campaign, Bolden is expected to take on a leadership role and could be the next in a long line of Georgia defensive backs to flourish on the national stage. Alongside him in the secondary, Daylen Everette returns as a lockdown corner who has steadily risen through the ranks since arriving on campus. Everette’s ability to handle top receivers in man coverage makes him a crucial part of Georgia’s defensive game plan.

At the second level, C.J. Allen has emerged as a cornerstone of the linebacker unit. He’s coming off a strong 2024 season where he made his presence felt with his tackling consistency and sideline-to-sideline range. Allen’s athleticism and football IQ make him a natural fit for Georgia’s aggressive defensive scheme, and he’s poised to be one of the SEC’s top linebackers this fall.

Up front, Christen Miller anchors the defensive line and brings power and explosiveness to the interior. Already recognized on the Outland Trophy Watch List, Miller is now in contention for two of the most prestigious awards in college football. His inclusion on the Nagurski list reflects the impact he’s expected to have in the trenches for a Georgia defense that is once again loaded with talent.

The Nagurski Trophy, presented annually by the Football Writers Association of America and the Charlotte Touchdown Club, will be awarded on December 8 in Charlotte. Georgia is well represented with four players on the watch list and could have a finalist—or even the winner—by season’s end.