UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. – Penn State redshirt senior safety Jeremiah Cooper was named to the Bednarik Award watch list on Friday.
The Chuck Bednarik Award, in its 32nd year, is presented annually to the outstanding defensive player in college football.
Jeremiah Cooper · R-Sr. · S · 6-0 · 188 · El Paso, Texas · Andress · Iowa State
- Tabbed Phil Steele fourth-team Preseason All-American in 2025.
- Named to Bronko Nagurski Trophy and Jim Thorpe Award watch lists in 2025.
- Voted All-Big 12 honorable mention in 2024.
- Selected All-Big 12 first team in 2023 and Big 12 Defensive Freshman of the Year in 2022.
- Played in 38 games and made 36 starts at Iowa State.
- Has collected 134 tackles (82 solo), 4.5 tackles for loss, one forced fumble, eight interceptions (one touchdown) and 14 pass breakups.
- In 2025, started four games before a season-ending injury. Recorded nine tackles, 1.5 tackles for loss, one interception and three pass breakups.
- Allowed a 33.3 completion percentage when targeted.
- In 2024, made 45 tackles (27 solo), 1.5 tackles for loss, one forced fumble, five interceptions (one touchdown) and 10 pass breakups.
- Tied for sixth in the FBS with five interceptions and 32nd with 10 pass breakups.
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 an All-Pro linebacker and center for the Philadelphia Eagles.
Semifinalists for the Chuck Bednarik Award will be announced on November 10 and the three finalists for the award will be revealed on November 224.
The winner will be announced live during the ESPN Home Depot College Football Awards Show on December 10.
The formal presentation of the Chuck Bednarik Award will be made at the Maxwell Football Club Awards on Saturday, March 13, 2027 at the Coca Cola Roxy Theater in Atlanta.
Nittany Lions On Award Watch Lists
Ryan Barker - Groza
Rocco Becht - Davey O’Brien, Maxwell, Unitas
Benjamin Brahmer - Lombardi, Mackey
Gabe Burkle - Mackey
Jeremiah Cooper - Bednarik, Comeback POY
Cooper Cousins - Wuerffel Trophy
Kooper Ebel - Butkus
Max Granville - Comeback POY
Carson Hansen - Doak Walker
James Peoples - Doak Walker
Brock Riker - Rimington Trophy
Tony Rojas - Comeback POY, Lott IMPACT Trophy
Blaise Sokach-Minnick - Mannelly
Siale Taupaki - Polynesian POY
For information on joining the Nittany Lion Club and ticket information for the 2026 Penn State Football season presented by PSECU, as well as club seating in West Shore Home Field at Beaver Stadium, fans can visit www.GoPSUsports.com, or call 1-800-NITTANY weekdays from 9 a.m.-4 p.m.