Alabama linebacker Will Anderson wins Bronko Nagurski Trophy for second consecutive year

Alabama linebacker Will Anderson has been named the winner of the 2022 Bronko Nagurski Trophy, given out to the best defensive player in college football.

Anderson won the award in 2021 as well, making him a repeat winner. Nobody has been able to do that in nearly three decades, with former Northwestern linebacker and current head coach Pat Fitzgerald being the last to do so.

Congratulations to the 2022 @NagurskiTrophy Recipient @AlabamaFTBL LB Will Anderson Jr.! #RollTide pic.twitter.com/aNH8IVSEy3

— CLT Touchdown Club (@CTouchdownClub) December 6, 2022

Three other players were nominated for the Nagurski Trophy. Pitt defensive tackle Calijah Kancey, Georgia safety Chris Smith and USC defensive end Tuli Tuipulotu were all up for the award but finished behind Anderson in voting.

Another piece of history will sit in Tuscaloosa with one of the program’s best-ever defensive players. Jonathon Allen is the only other Crimson Tide defender to win the Nagurski Trophy, taking home the award for his 2016 season performances.

Anderson would be the first to tell you his 2022 season was not as good as 2021. However, the numbers he put up were still insane and good enough to be considered the nation’s top defensive player.

In 12 games played, Anderson put up 51 tackles, 10 sacks, and 17 tackles for a loss. He was able to achieve something new — securing an interception and taking it to the house for a pick-six. Numbers like these would be historic for most in the sport.

The Nagurski Award is just the beginning of accolades for Anderson, as he was named the SEC Defensive Player of the Year earlier on Monday. More will likely be on the way as they continue to be announced.

Anderson is now most likely be heading off to the 2023 NFL Draft and will be one of the top picks. Many believe he has a chance to be the first non-quarterback player selected, competing with Georgia’s Jalen Carter.