Niekamp Earns Spot On 2026 Buck Buchanan Award Watch List

NORMAL, Ill. – Illinois State All-American linebacker Tye Niekamp has earned a spot among the best defenders in the FCS, as he was named to the Stats Perform 30-player preseason watch list for the 2026 Buck Buchanan Award, presented annually to the national defensive player of the year in Division I FCS college football. The award, now in its 32nd season, is named for legendary defensive lineman Junious “Buck” Buchanan, who starred at Grambling State as part of his Hall of Fame career. Past Buchanan recipients include Dexter Coakley, Rashean Mathis, Jared Allen and last year’s winner Andrew Zock of…