DALLAS – Kennesaw State graduate linebacker
Baron Hopson continued to be lauded, earning a place on the 2026 Bronko Nagurski Trophy Watch List, the Football Writers Association of America (FWAA) announced on Tuesday. The Bronko Nagurski Trophy honors the national defensive player of the year.
Hopson joins 68 defensive standouts from around the country and is one of just 16 Group of Six players and one of two from Conference USA. His also one of just 21 linebackers nationally on the list.
The reigning 2025 CUSA Defensive Player of the Year and 2026 Preseason CUSA Defensive Player of the Year, Hopson had a monster campaign in 2025, recording a record-setting 138 tackles, nine tackles for loss, a forced fumble and interception over 14 games. Of his 14 games, he led the Owls in tackles in a whopping nine of them.
In the midst of rewriting the annals, he also broke the single-game tackle record with 16 in the regular-season finale that clinched KSU's berth in the Conference USA Championship game.
In addition to his end-of-year DPOTY honor, the Leesburg, Ga. native was also named first-team all-CUSA selection and third-team HERO Sports Group of Five All-American.
The FWAA has chosen a National Defensive Player of the Year since 1993. In 1995, the FWAA named the award in honor of the legendary two-way player from the University of Minnesota. Nagurski dominated college football, then became a star for the Chicago Bears in the 1930s. Bronislaw "Bronko" Nagurski is a charter member of both the College Football and Pro Football Halls of Fame.
Hopson and the Owls kicked off 2026 fall camp on Tuesday, and will have 16 practices during camp to prepare for the season-opener against West Georgia on Thursday, Sept. 3 at Walens Family Field at Fifth Third Stadium.
2026 KENNESAW STATE FOOTBALL SEASON TICKETS
Season tickets for the 2026 Kennesaw State football season are on sale now! Tickets begin at just $125 and include home contests against in-state foes West Georgia (Sept. 3) and Georgia State (Sept. 12), as well as CUSA contests against Jax State (Oct. 7), Liberty (Oct. 22), Delaware (Nov. 7) and FIU (Nov. 21). Click
HERE for more info on tickets for the 2026 regular season!
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The Champions Fund is a newly created, 100% tax deductible, philanthropic opportunity to contribute strategic revenue to Kennesaw State Athletics, with the goal of strengthening our ability to recruit and retain top-tier talent in this new era of collegiate athletics. Contributions to the Champions Fund will help aid in funding student-athlete recruitment and retention, as well as helping the Owls provide competitive excellence through investments in coaching, travel and facilities. The fund will also give an elevated student-athlete experience, including enhanced academic, nutrition, wellness and leadership programs. Donate to the Champions Fund here and help us support our Kennesaw State Owls.
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