Wake Forest's Langston Hardy Lands on Bednarik Award Watch List

WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. — Wake Forest defensive lineman Langston Hardy is on the 2026 Chuck Bednarik Award watch list, adding another preseason honor for one of the Demon Deacons' top returning defenders.

The Bednarik Award is presented annually to college football's outstanding defensive player. Hardy enters his redshirt senior season after starting all 13 games in 2025 and earning honorable mention All-ACC recognition.

Hardy led the ACC and ranked fifth nationally with 17 tackles for loss last season, tying for the 11th-most in a single season in Wake Forest history. He also recorded seven sacks, which led the Deacons and ranked fifth in the conference.

The recognition adds to a preseason résumé that already includes Athlon Preseason All-ACC honors and a spot on Phil Steele's Preseason All-ACC Second Team. Wake Forest opens the 2026 season Sept. 3 at home against Akron.