WILLIAMSBURG — After establishing himself as one of the nation’s top players, William & Mary senior defensive end Nate Lynn was selected as a finalist for the Buck Buchanan Award, which is annually presented to the national defensive player of the year in college football’s Division I subdivision.
Lynn, a two-time finalist for the national player of the year award, is one of 30 standouts who garnered the distinction this season.
Honored as an All-American multiple times by numerous organizations throughout his career, Lynn ranked among the nation’s top 20 in sacks (8.0) and sacks per game (0.8) this season. Additionally, he finished the year with 11.0 TFL, 58 tackles, two forced fumbles and a fumble recovery.
One of the best to ever play at W&M, he ranks second in school history in career sacks (28.0) and TFL (40.0). Additionally, his 12 career forced fumbles leads the nation among all active Division I players (FCS & FBS).
Lynn’s selection marks the third consecutive season that a W&M player has been chosen as a finalist for the Buchanan Award — Lynn (2021), John Pius (2022). Lynn finished ninth in voting in 2021, while Lynn was runner-up last season.
A national media panel will select the Buchanan Award winner, with voting based on the regular season. The recipient will be announced at the FCS National Awards banquet on Jan. 6 in Frisco, Texas — on the eve of the national championship game.
The Buchanan Award, first presented in 1995 and in its 29th season, is named for legendary defensive lineman Junious “Buck” Buchanan, who starred at Grambling State as part of his Hall of Fame career. Past recipients include Dexter Coakley, Rashean Mathis, Jared Allen and Arthur Moats.
