Carmona Named to Outland Trophy Preseason Watch List

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – Arkansas senior offensive lineman Fernando Carmona has been named to the 2025 Outland Trophy Preseason Watch List, the Football Writers Association of America announced Tuesday.

Created in 1946 and named after John H. Outland, the Outland Trophy is awarded annually to the best interior lineman in college football.

Carmona was an integral part of the Razorbacks’ offensive line in 2024, starting all 13 games while helping Arkansas average 459.5 yards of total offense per game, which ranked 10th nationally. The Las Vegas, Nev., product also pass-protected for an aerial attack that ranked 18th nationally with an average of 274.7 yards per game. Arkansas registered 5,973 yards of total offense during the 2024 season, which was the fourth-most in program history. Behind Carmona, Arkansas registered two of its top 10 single-game total yardage outputs in program history in 2024. He helped pave the way for 673 yards of total offense (314 passing, 359 rushing) while not allowing a single sack during the Razorbacks’ dominant 58-25 win over Mississippi State (Oct. 26) and 687 yards of total offense during a 70-0 season-opening win over Arkansas-Pine Bluff (Aug. 29).

Of the 50 linemen selected for the watch list, Carmona was one of 10 offensive linemen from the SEC.

The FWAA will announce six or seven Outland Trophy semifinalists on Nov. 19 at a reception in Omaha, and those players will then be pared down to three finalists, who will be announced on Nov. 25 on ESPN. The Outland Trophy winner is chosen from those finalists who will be part of the annual FWAA All-America Team. The FWAA All-America Committee, after voting input from the entire membership, selects a 26-man first team and eventually the three Outland finalists. Committee members, then by individual ballot, select the winner. Only interior linemen on offense or defense are eligible for the award; ends and edge rushers are not eligible.

Arkansas reports for fall camp on Thursday with the first workout set for Friday morning. The Razorbacks kick off the 2025 season on Saturday, Aug. 30, when they welcome Alabama A&M to Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium for a 3:15 p.m. matchup on SEC Network.

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