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Johnson, Smith Named to Preseason Watch Lists
8/4/2026 11:00:00 AM | Football
Johnson on Watch List for Outland Trophy, while Smith Named to Watch List for Bronko Nagurski Trophy
University of Minnesota standouts Greg Johnson and Anthony Smith received preseason honors today from the Football Writers Association of America.Â
Johnson was placed on the watch list for the Outland Trophy, which is presented to the best interior lineman in college football, while Smith was named to the watch list for the Bronko Nagurski Trophy, which is awarded to the national defensive player of the year.Â
Johnson is one of the most versatile offensive linemen in college football. The Prior Lake, Minn., native has played in 37 career games and has started the last 26 games. In 2025, he started 11 games at left guard, one at left tackle and one at right tackle. Johnson started all 13 games in 2024 at center after playing in 11 games – and starting two at left guard – in 2023 as a freshman.Â
Smith is one of the most disruptive players in college football. In 2025, he made 17.5 tackles for loss and led the Big Ten with 12.5 sacks. For his career, Smith has 31.0 tackles for loss and 19.5 sacks.Â
Minnesota career records are in reach for the Shippensburg, Pa., native. Willie VanDeSteeg (2005-08) is the program record holder for tackles for loss with 43.5, while Karon Riley (1999-00) holds the career sack record with 29.0.
Johnson, Smith and the rest of the Gophers kick off the 2026 season on Thursday, Sept. 3 against Eastern Illinois at Huntington Bank Stadium.Â
Johnson was placed on the watch list for the Outland Trophy, which is presented to the best interior lineman in college football, while Smith was named to the watch list for the Bronko Nagurski Trophy, which is awarded to the national defensive player of the year.Â
Johnson is one of the most versatile offensive linemen in college football. The Prior Lake, Minn., native has played in 37 career games and has started the last 26 games. In 2025, he started 11 games at left guard, one at left tackle and one at right tackle. Johnson started all 13 games in 2024 at center after playing in 11 games – and starting two at left guard – in 2023 as a freshman.Â
Smith is one of the most disruptive players in college football. In 2025, he made 17.5 tackles for loss and led the Big Ten with 12.5 sacks. For his career, Smith has 31.0 tackles for loss and 19.5 sacks.Â
Minnesota career records are in reach for the Shippensburg, Pa., native. Willie VanDeSteeg (2005-08) is the program record holder for tackles for loss with 43.5, while Karon Riley (1999-00) holds the career sack record with 29.0.
Johnson, Smith and the rest of the Gophers kick off the 2026 season on Thursday, Sept. 3 against Eastern Illinois at Huntington Bank Stadium.Â
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