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Snowden Named to Chuck Bednarik Award Watchlist
8/11/2025 10:00 AM | Football
Award presented annually to the most outstanding defensive player in college football
SALT LAKE CITY — Utah junior cornerback Smith Snowden has been named to the Chuck Bednarik Award Watchlist, the Maxwell Football Club announced on Monday.
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The Bednarik Award has been given to the Defensive Player of the Year since 1995 and will be presented for the 31st time in 2025.
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Snowden played in all 12 games in 2024, starting 11 at nickel back. He tallied 48 tackles, including a five-game streak of at least five stops. Snowden defended 10 passes (2 INT, 8 PBU) and forced one fumble.
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The Lehi native added kick return duties the final four games last year, running seven kickoffs back for 187 yards with a season-high three returns for 83 yards vs. BYU.
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Semifinalists for the Bednarik Award will be announced on Nov. 11, while the three finalists will be unveiled on Nov. 25. The winner of the award will be announced as part of the ESPN Home Depot College Football Awards Show held on Dec. 11.
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Smith Snowden 2025 Preseason Honors (as of August 11)
- Paul Hornung Award Watchlist (7/31)
- Chuck Bednarik Award Watchlist (8/11)
FOLLOW THE UTES
Follow the Utes on social media through Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and TikTok along with visiting www.UtahUtes.com. Download the Utah 360 app here.  Â
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The Bednarik Award has been given to the Defensive Player of the Year since 1995 and will be presented for the 31st time in 2025.
Â
Snowden played in all 12 games in 2024, starting 11 at nickel back. He tallied 48 tackles, including a five-game streak of at least five stops. Snowden defended 10 passes (2 INT, 8 PBU) and forced one fumble.
Â
The Lehi native added kick return duties the final four games last year, running seven kickoffs back for 187 yards with a season-high three returns for 83 yards vs. BYU.
Â
Semifinalists for the Bednarik Award will be announced on Nov. 11, while the three finalists will be unveiled on Nov. 25. The winner of the award will be announced as part of the ESPN Home Depot College Football Awards Show held on Dec. 11.
Â
Smith Snowden 2025 Preseason Honors (as of August 11)
- Paul Hornung Award Watchlist (7/31)
- Chuck Bednarik Award Watchlist (8/11)
FOLLOW THE UTES
Follow the Utes on social media through Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and TikTok along with visiting www.UtahUtes.com. Download the Utah 360 app here.  Â
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Players Mentioned
CB
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