Ohio State defensive tackle Kayden McDonald is one of seven semifinalists for the Outland Trophy, which honors college football’s top interior offensive or defensive lineman.
McDonald has led the way up front for Ohio State’s top-ranked defense, recording 44 tackles with eight tackles for loss, three sacks and two forced fumbles in the Buckeyes’ first 10 games of the season.
McDonald is one of just two defensive tackles on the list of semifinalists along with Navy defensive tackle Landon Robinson. The other five semifinalists are all offensive linemen: Spencer Fano (Utah), Logan Jones (Iowa), Iapani Laloulu (Oregon), Kadyn Proctor (Alabama) and Carter Smith (Indiana).
McDonald is one of eight Ohio State players who have been named a semifinalist for a national award this season, along with the following Buckeyes:
- DE Caden Curry – Lombardi Award
- S Caleb Downs – Bednarik Award, Lott IMPACT Trophy, Thorpe Award, Walter Camp Player of the Year
- LB Sonny Styles – Butkus Award, Lombardi Award
- LB Arvell Reese – Bednarik Award, Butkus Award, Lombardi Award
- QB Julian Sayin – Maxwell Award, Davey O’Brien Award, Shaun Alexander Freshman of the Year, Walter Camp Player of the Year
- WR Jeremiah Smith – Biletnikoff Award, Maxwell Award, Walter Camp Player of the Year
- WR Carnell Tate – Biletnikoff Award
