Rising Star: K-State’s Austin Romaine Earns Spot on Bronko Nagurski Watch List
Kansas State linebacker Austin Romaine has officially landed on the national radar. The standout junior was named to the 2025 Bronko Nagurski Trophy Watch List, a prestigious honor recognizing the top defensive players in college football. Released by the Football Writers Association of America (FWAA), the watch list highlights 60 elite defenders across the FBS—and Romaine is firmly among them.
The Bronko Nagurski Trophy, named after one of football’s fiercest competitors, is awarded annually to the nation’s best defensive player. For Romaine, this recognition marks another major step forward in what has already been an impressive career in Manhattan.
Coming off a breakout season in 2024, Romaine emerged as the heart of Kansas State’s defense. He racked up 96 total tackles, 7.5 tackles for loss, two sacks, and three forced fumbles, showing his ability to make plays all over the field. His performance earned him Second-Team All-Big 12 honors for the second straight year.
Beyond the box score, Romaine’s impact was felt in the film room and among analysts. Pro Football Focus graded him as the top returning linebacker in the Big 12 and one of the top five in the nation, praising his instincts, tackling efficiency, and ability to lead.
Kansas State head coach Chris Klieman has been vocal about Romaine’s growth, calling him a “game-changer” and someone with “All-American potential.” That potential is now getting recognition on a national level, and Romaine joins a legacy of K-State defenders who have been named to the Nagurski Watch List—including names like Arthur Brown, Ty Zimmerman, and Felix Anudike-Uzomah.
As Romaine enters the 2025 season, he’ll be the anchor of a deep linebacker unit. He’ll line up alongside veterans like Desmond Purnell, transfer Gabe Powers from Ohio State, and rising contributors such as Rex Van Wyhe and Asa Newsome. Their collective experience could make Kansas State one of the Big 12’s most physical and disciplined defensive squads.
The Wildcats are also drawing attention in the national rankings. Multiple outlets have them inside the Top 25, with some projecting a return to the Big 12 title conversation. With Romaine leading the way on defense, Kansas State has the tools to make a serious run.
While the watch list is only the first step in the Bronko Nagurski Trophy process, Romaine now has a spotlight on him every time he takes the field. If he can replicate—or surpass—his 2024 production, he could become a finalist in December when the award is officially handed out in Charlotte, North Carolina.
In a season packed with expectations and tough matchups, Austin Romaine stands ready. His journey from promising recruit to one of college football’s top defenders is just getting started—and the rest of the country is beginning to take notice.
