Tennessee defensive lineman named to Bednarik Award watch list

Tennessee junior defensive lineman Xavier Gilliam was named to the Chuck Bednarik watch list.He is one of five players added to the list, announced by the Maxwell Football Club. The Bednarik Award is presented annually to best defensive player in college football.Gilliam is part of Tennessee's defense that ranks among the nation's best in multiple categories, including a FBS-leading 35 sacks. Through eight games in 2026, he ranks third in the SEC and is tied for seventh nationally with 11.5 tackles for a loss. Gilliam also ranks fifth in the SEC and is tied for 13th nationally with six sacks.His 87.9 overall defensive ranking by PFF is seventh best among all interior defensive linemen in the FBS, while his 28 total pressures lead the SEC and are tied for fourth nationally among interior defensive linemen.Gilliam and teammates Ty Redmond and Amare Campbell were named to the Bednarik Watch List prior to the season.Follow Vols Wire on Facebook and X (formerly Twitter).This article originally appeared on Vols Wire: Tennessee defensive lineman named to Bednarik Award watch list