BLACKSBURG - Virginia Tech defensive tackle, Kemari Copeland has been named to the Bednarik Award watch list as announced Friday by the Maxwell Football Club. The Bednarik Award is presented annually to the outstanding defensive player in college football.
Copeland, who was previously named to the watch lists for the Nagurski Award and the Outland Trophy, was named to the All-ACC Preseason Team, following his All-ACC Third Team nod in 2025. Copeland registered 48 tackles last season including 7.5 TFLs.
The Bednarik Award has been presented to the College Defensive Player of the Year since 1994 and 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.
Don't miss your chance to watch Copeland and the Hokies in Blacksburg this fall. With high demand for tickets and limited inventory, purchase your single-game tickets now to ensure your place in Lane Stadium's electric atmosphere.
Copeland named to Bednarik Award watch list
Virginia Beach product continues to garner national attention