Only one Ole Miss defensive player makes the preseason Bednarik Award watchlist

The Ole Miss players keep getting added to the preseason watchlists, with Princely Umanmielen making the Bednarik Award watchlist today. After his performances with his former team, Florida, it is deserved, with more predicted to come in 2024.

It was a surprise that he was the only defensive player added to the list. Walter Nolen was a considerable emission, with Nolen making All-SEC first teams from plenty of the media. A few weeks ago, he made the watchlists for the Outland Trophy and the Bronko Nagurski Trophy. He was expected to make the Bednarik Award, but he could still be added throughout the season.

The Bednarik committee's decision to add Umanmielen was a nice nod. He looks to be the forgotten man on Ole Miss's defense regarding preseason All-SEC teams.

During his four seasons with Florida, Umanmielen finished with 99 total tackles, 15 sacks, 24.5 tackles for loss, and three forced fumbles. In 2023, he registered 17 quarterback hurries, a menace from the edge for a poor Gators team.

Umanmielen is up against some top defensive talent on the watchlist, including Caleb Downs (Ohio State), Malaki Starks (Georgia), and Nic Scourton (Texas A&M), to name a few. The Ole Miss edge has as good a chance as any lifting the trophy with a solid season.

A big season for Princely Umanmielen

With the NFL Draft looming for Princely Umanmielen after the 2024 season, he must put on a show to be a high draft pick. We have seen draft analysts mock him anywhere from round 1 to round 3 of the 2025 NFL Draft.

Speaking at the Fall Camp week 2 presser, Umanmielen isn't trying to think about the NFL Draft too much, focusing on showing up and going to work for the team.

""I don't think about it (the NFL Draft) on a daily basis, but it is a really big year for me. I just come in every day, show up, and go to work. I try to be consistent and be a pro, making sure I'm not taking any of these days for granted. I'm looking to make it my best season in college.""

- Princely Umanmielen talking at Fall Camp

Several players are in the same position as Umanmielen in 2024, with the NFL Draft the goal after the season. Right now, they are focused on performing at their best every day to help the team achieve greatness this coming season.