
Photo by: Isaac Wasserman
Thibodeaux A Bednarik Award Semifinalist
11/01/21 | Football
PHILADELPHIA — Defensive end Kayvon Thibodeaux has been selected as a semifinalist for the 2021 Chuck Bednarik Award, which honors the most outstanding defensive player in college football.
Thibodeaux is one of 18 semifinalists for the Bednarik Award, and one of two from the Pac-12 along with Utah's Devin Lloyd. He is the second Duck ever to be named a Bednarik Award semifinalist, joining cornerback Ifo Ekpre Olomu (2013, 2014).
Three finalists for the Bednarik Award will be announced on November 23. The 27th Chuck Bednarik Award will be presented to the winner as part of the ESPN Home Depot College Football Awards Show on December 9.
Kayvon Thibodeaux – Chuck Bednarik Award Semifinalist
» Tied for fourth in the Pac-12 with 7.5 TFLs and tied for fifth with 4.0 sacks.
» Fourth-highest pass-rush grade nationally among edge defenders, according to PFF (92.0).
» 27 total quarterback pressures, 18 hurries and five QB hits, according to PFF.
» Career-high nine tackles and 4.5 TFLs vs. UCLA with two sacks and a forced fumble.
» One of two FBS players this season with at least 4.0 TFLs, 2.0 sacks and forced fumble in a game.
» First Oregon player since 2007 (Nick Reed) to record at least nine tackles, four TFLs and two sacks in a game.
» First Duck since Jalen Jelks in 2017 to record at least four tackles for loss.
» Bednarik Award National Player of the Week following performance at UCLA.
» 31.0 TFLs since start of 2019 season is the most among all active Power 5 players.
2021 Chuck Bednarik Award Semifinalists
Will Anderson, Alabama
Roger McCreary, Auburn
Ahmad Gardner, Cincinnati
Jermaine Johnson, Florida State
Jordan Davis, Georgia
Nakobe Dean, Georgia
Aidan Hutchinson, Michigan
Kyle Hamilton, Notre Dame
Nik Bonitto, Oklahoma
Kayvon Thibodeaux, Oregon
Jaquan Brisker, Penn State
George Karlaftis, Purdue
Cameron Thomas, San Diego State
Kingsley Enagbare, South Carolina
DeMarvin Leal, Texas A&M
Devin Lloyd, Utah
Leo Chenal, Wisconsin
Chad Muma, Wyoming
Thibodeaux is one of 18 semifinalists for the Bednarik Award, and one of two from the Pac-12 along with Utah's Devin Lloyd. He is the second Duck ever to be named a Bednarik Award semifinalist, joining cornerback Ifo Ekpre Olomu (2013, 2014).
Three finalists for the Bednarik Award will be announced on November 23. The 27th Chuck Bednarik Award will be presented to the winner as part of the ESPN Home Depot College Football Awards Show on December 9.
Kayvon Thibodeaux – Chuck Bednarik Award Semifinalist
» Tied for fourth in the Pac-12 with 7.5 TFLs and tied for fifth with 4.0 sacks.
» Fourth-highest pass-rush grade nationally among edge defenders, according to PFF (92.0).
» 27 total quarterback pressures, 18 hurries and five QB hits, according to PFF.
» Career-high nine tackles and 4.5 TFLs vs. UCLA with two sacks and a forced fumble.
» One of two FBS players this season with at least 4.0 TFLs, 2.0 sacks and forced fumble in a game.
» First Oregon player since 2007 (Nick Reed) to record at least nine tackles, four TFLs and two sacks in a game.
» First Duck since Jalen Jelks in 2017 to record at least four tackles for loss.
» Bednarik Award National Player of the Week following performance at UCLA.
» 31.0 TFLs since start of 2019 season is the most among all active Power 5 players.
2021 Chuck Bednarik Award Semifinalists
Will Anderson, Alabama
Roger McCreary, Auburn
Ahmad Gardner, Cincinnati
Jermaine Johnson, Florida State
Jordan Davis, Georgia
Nakobe Dean, Georgia
Aidan Hutchinson, Michigan
Kyle Hamilton, Notre Dame
Nik Bonitto, Oklahoma
Kayvon Thibodeaux, Oregon
Jaquan Brisker, Penn State
George Karlaftis, Purdue
Cameron Thomas, San Diego State
Kingsley Enagbare, South Carolina
DeMarvin Leal, Texas A&M
Devin Lloyd, Utah
Leo Chenal, Wisconsin
Chad Muma, Wyoming
Players Mentioned
Have y’all ever been to Oregon? | CFB Playoff Hype Video
Saturday, December 20
Autzen Awaits | Oregon Football College Football Playoff Prep
Thursday, December 18
2025 Oregon Football Uniform Reveal | James Madison
Thursday, December 18
Dan Lanning | CFP Preview
Wednesday, December 17





