RENO, Nev. - EDGE Dylan LaBarbera was recognized as a candidate for the Bronko Nagurski Trophy Tuesday morning, as announced by the Football Writers Association of America (FWAA).

The Bronko Nagurski Trophy is awarded annually to the national defensive player of the year. LaBarbera's inclusion, one of just three representatives from Mountain West programs, continues a preseason of recognition. In mid-July he was named to the 2026 Preseason All-Mountain West Team in addition to earning first-team selections to the preseason all-conference teams of Phil Steele and Athlon Sports. Last week he was named to the Shriners Children's East-West Bowl 1000.

LaBarbera earned spots on the HERO Sports Group of Five All-America Team and Pro Football Focus (PFF) All-Group of Six Team for his breakout performance last season, finishing tied for eighth in the country with 17.0 tackles-for-loss and sixth with 1.42 TFLs per game. He went on to earn the Wolf Pack's 2025 Chris Ault Award as the team's Most Valuable Player, leading the Wolf Pack with 87 tackles and 6.5 sacks.

The FWAA and Charlotte Touchdown Club will announce finalists for the 2026 trophy on Nov. 19. The official presentation to the recipient of the 2026 Bronko Nagurski Trophy will be at the Bronko Nagurski Awards Banquet in Charlotte, N.C. on Dec. 7.

Nevada opens the 2026 season with two-straight home contests, first hosting defending New Orleans Bowl champion Western Kentucky Saturday, September 5 at 7:30 p.m. before facing reigning FCS champion Montana State Saturday, September 12 at 7:30 p.m. The Wolf Pack opens Mountain West play Saturday, Sepr. 26 hosting Air Force.

Season tickets and parking for the 2026 Nevada Football campaign are now on sale. General Admission season tickets start at $135 for adults and just $100 each if when purchasing the Family 4-Pack. The Family 4-Pack includes four General Admission season tickets and complimentary parking for only $400. Season tickets for the 2026 season can be purchased HERE.

Nevada Football on 2026 Preseason Watch Lists

OL Jack Foster
Outland Trophy

EDGE Dylan LaBarbera
Bronko Nagurski Trophy
Shriners Children's East-West Bowl 1000

RB Ky Woods
Allstate AFCA Good Hands Team nominee