Rhodes Jr. Named Bednarik Award Semifinalist
FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – Arkansas defensive lineman Quincy Rhodes Jr. has been named one of 20 semifinalists for the Chuck Bednarik Award, which is presented to the most outstanding defensive player in college football.
Rhodes Jr. leads the Razorbacks in both tackles for loss (14.0) and sacks (8.0) through nine games this season. The North Little Rock native ranks second in the SEC and is tied for eighth nationally in tackles for loss. His 14.0 tackles for loss are the most by an Arkansas defender in a season since DL Trey Flowers (15.5) in 2015. With two more sacks, Rhodes Jr. would become the first Razorback with double-digit sacks in a season since DL Jake Bequette (10.0) in 2011.
The North Little Rock, Ark., native is the only player in program history with multiple 4.0+ tackles for loss games in a season, courtesy of 4.5 tackles for loss against Mississippi State (Nov. 1) and 4.0 tackles for loss at Memphis (Sept. 20). His 4.5 tackles for loss against Mississippi State are the most by an SEC defender this season and the second most nationally. Rhodes Jr. and Auburn linebacker Xavier Atkins are the only FBS defenders with multiple games of 4.0+ tackles for loss this season.
With his inclusion, Rhodes Jr. is the first Razorback to be named a semifinalist for the coveted award since linebacker Drew Sanders in 2022.
Semifinalist voting for the 31st Chuck Bednarik Award will begin on Monday, Nov. 17, and will close on Nov. 24. Three finalists for the award will be announced on Nov. 27, and a finalist round of voting will take place at that time. Eligible voters include Maxwell Football Club members, NCAA head football coaches, sports information directors, and selected national media.
The winners of the Chuck Bednarik Award will be announced as part of the ESPN Home Depot College Football Awards Show, which will be broadcast live on ESPN on Thursday, Dec. 11, 2025. The formal presentation of the Maxwell and Chuck Bednarik Awards will take place at the 89th Maxwell Awards Gala, which will be held on Saturday, March 14, 2026, in Atlanta, Georgia.
Following its second bye week of the season, Arkansas, now led by interim head coach Bobby Petrino, hits the road for Baton Rouge, La., for The Battle for the Boot against LSU. Kickoff from Tiger Stadium is scheduled for 11:45 a.m. CT Saturday, Nov. 15.
For Arkansas football ticket information, call the Razorback Ticket Center at 479.575.5151 or click here.
