DALLAS – James Madison offensive lineman Nick Kidwell and defensive lineman James Carpenter were both named to the watch list for the 2023 Outland Trophy, the Football Writers Association of America announced.
The award, now in its 78th year, is presented annually to college football’s best interior lineman in the United States. A total of 91 returners from 65 institutions representing all 10 Division I FBS conference and independents were honored.
They become the first JMU players in program history to be named to the Outland Trophy Watch List.
Kidwell, a three-year starter at right tackle, was a Second Team All-Sun Belt honoree a season ago. He additionally took home Virginia Sports Information Directors First Team All-State accolades after he and the offensive line aided JMU in ranking top 30 nationally in six statistical categories. JMU was sixth in time of possession (33:44), seventh in yards per completion (14.54), 13th in scoring (37.0), 16th in pass efficiency (157.2), 29th in total offense (452.5) and 30th in passing touchdowns (27).
Carpenter, who joined Kidwell on both the All-Sun Belt Second Team and All-State First Team, started every game at nose guard in 2022. He tallied 52 total tackles with 11.5 for a loss, 5.5 sacks and three pass breakups. Carpenter had a career-high nine tackles versus Marshall and a career-high 1.5 sacks twice. He also produced a career-best three tackles for loss at Louisville.
The recipient of the 2023 Outland Trophy will be announced on The Home Depot College Football Awards, live on ESPN in December. The official presentation to the winner will be made at the Outland Trophy Awards Dinner sponsored by Werner Enterprises and produced by the Greater Omaha Sports Committee in Omaha, Neb., on Jan. 10, 2024.
The Outland Trophy winner is chosen from three finalists who are a part of the annual FWAA All-America Team. Committee members, then by individual ballot, select the winner.
Players may be added or removed from the watch list during the season. For the first time, the FWAA will announce an Outland Trophy National Player of the Week each Tuesday this season. If not already on the watch list, each week’s honored player will be added at that time.
Carpenter is in contention for the one of the nation’s prestigious honors, as he was named to the 2023 Bronko Nagurski Trophy Watch List, the Football Writers Association of America announced on Tuesday.
The Nagurski Trophy is presented annually by the FWAA and the Charlotte Touchdown Club to a player judged to be the country’s top defensive player in the NCAA.
— JMU Athletics —
