Jordan selected to 2023 Nagurski Trophy Watch List

8.1.23 | FOOTBALL
PHILADELPHIA — The Football Writers Association of America today announced its watch list for the 29th Bronko Nagurski Trophy, which is awarded annually to the best defensive player in college football. Temple graduate linebacker Layton Jordan was one of 96 defensive players selected to the 2023 preseason watch list.
The 2022 season was a breakthrough year for Jordan, who transitioned from defensive end to outside linebacker heading into the season. He was an anchor on defense for the Owls in 2022, finishing in the top five on the team in tackles (53) and leading the team in sacks (9.0), tackles for loss (18.5), interceptions (2), forced fumbles (3), and a program-record three defensive touchdowns. Jordan's stellar 2022 season resulted in a selection to the second team All-AAC in his first year as a starter. He was one of just two players in college football to record 2.0 sacks and one defensive touchdown in the same game (vs. Tulsa, 10/21) — only 15 other players have recorded the same feat since 2000. Jordan joined Ndamukong Suh (2008) and Melvin Ingram (2011) as the only FBS players to total three TDs, two INTs, 5.0 sacks and 10.0 TFLs in one season.
Jordan is one of six American Athletic Conference players on the watch list — LB Trey Moore (UTSA), CB Jarius Monroe (Tulane), DE Darius Hodges (Tulane), CB Ridge Texada (North Texas), and S Rashad Wisdom (UTSA).
Jordan can become just the second Temple player to win the prestigious Bronko Nagurski Trophy. Linebacker Tyler Matakevich won the award in 2015.
The Bronko Nagurski Trophy was founded in 1997 and is named after Bronislau "Bronko" Nagurski, who played defensive tackle and fullback for the University of Minnesota from 1927 to 1929. He went on to have a career in the NFL and as a professional wrestler.
The FWAA and the Charlotte Touchdown Club will announce the Bronko Nagurski Trophy finalists on Nov. 15. The 2023 award winner will be selected on Dec. 4 at the Bronko Nagurski Award Banquet in Charlotte, N.C.
ABOUT THE FOOTBALL WRITERS ASSOCIATION OF AMERICA — The Football Writers Association of America was founded in 1941 and is made up of 1,300 men and women who cover college football. The membership includes journalists, broadcasters and publicists, as well as key executives in all the areas that involve the game. The FWAA works to govern areas that include game-day operations, major awards and its annual All-America team. For more information about the FWAA and its award programs, contact Steve Richardson at tiger@fwaa.com.