The Football Writers Association announced the inclusion of USC Trojans Bear Alexander, Jonah Monheim, and Emmanuel Pregnon on the 2024 Outland Trophy Watch List. This prestigious award is given annually to the top interior lineman in college football.
USC is in elite company, tied with Alabama and Ohio State for the second-most representatives on the list, each boasting three players. Only Georgia surpasses them with four. Together, USC and Ohio State’s nominees represent nearly half of the Big Ten Conference’s 13 selected players from eight schools.
Bear Alexander, entering his junior year, is set to dominate the defensive line, and per his positional coach, Eric Henderson, has elite traits and the desire to be great.
After transferring from Georgia in 2023, Alexander made an immediate impact, amassing 48 tackles, 6.5 for loss, and 1.5 sacks. He also led the team with four quarterback hurries, two forced fumbles, one recovery, and a pass breakup.
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His outstanding performance earned him a spot on the 2023 Phil Steele All-Pac-12 First Team and an honorable mention for All-Pac-12. For the 2024 season, he has been named to the Phil Steele Preseason All-American Fourth Team and both the Phil Steele and Athlon Sports Preseason All-Big Ten Second Teams.
On the offensive side, USC’s high-octane unit, which ranked third in scoring offense (41.8 points per game), fifth in passing offense (333 yards per game), and tenth in total offense (467.6 yards per game) in 2023, will continue to rely on the talents of Jonah Monheim and Emmanuel Pregnon.
Monheim, a returning captain who transitioned to center in spring 2024, started all 13 games last season, primarily at left tackle, and once at right guard. His contributions earned him spots on the Athlon Sports Preseason All-American Second Team and both the Athlon Sports and Phil Steele Preseason All-Big Ten First and Second Teams, respectively.
Emmanuel Pregnon, entering his redshirt senior year, also brings vital experience to the offensive line. After transferring from Wyoming in 2023, he played in all 13 games, starting 12 at left guard. His solid play has secured him a place on the Phil Steele Preseason All-Big Ten Second Team and the Athlon Sports Preseason All-Big Ten Third Team.
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Both players look to have dominant seasons, not only catapulting the USC Trojans but also their draft stock in the 2025 NFL Draft.
The 2024 Outland Trophy winner will be announced during The Home Depot College Football Awards, broadcast live on ESPN on December 12, 2024. The formal presentation will take place at the Outland Trophy Awards Dinner, sponsored by Werner Enterprises.
Original press release at USCTrojans.com.