DALLAS, TX — The Football Writers Association of America has announced the preseason watch list for the 2021 Outland Trophy, recognizing 80 returning standout interior linemen representing all 10 Division I FBS conferences and independents. The 2021 season continues a celebration of the award's 75th anniversary and the watch list presents a talented field of players to accompany three returning FWAA All-Americans.

Ball State offensive guard Curtis Blackwell, Buffalo offensive tackle Jake Fuzak, Western Michigan center Mike Caliendo and Toledo center Bryce Harris represented the MAC. 

An All-MAC Second Team selection, Blackwell started all eight games at right tackle for Ball State's Mid-American Conference Championship and Arizona Bowl-winning team.  He made the move from right guard prior to the start of the 2020 season. Blackwell blocked for a Cardinals team that ranked 25th nationally in scoring offense (34.2) and 27th in total offense (447.2). He helped the Cardinals feature a balanced attack with 269.2 passing yards and 178.0 rushing yards per game. 

Fuzak returns for his second season as starter at offensive tackle. He started all seven games last season at right tackle, blocking for an offense that ranked second in the nation in rushing yards per game (287.4) and allowed only one sack on the season.

Harris, who is also on the watch list for the Rimington Trophy as the nation's top center, was a first-team All-MAC selection in 2020 and a second-team  All-MAC pick in 2018. He missed the entire 2019 season due to injury. He has appeared in 44 games as an offensive lineman at center and guard, starting 39. In 2020, he was part of an offense that ranked third in the MAC in total offense (494.0) and first in passing offense (325.8).

Caliendo has started 39 straight games for the Broncos, leading a WMU offense that has ranked in the MAC's top-five in rushing offense and sacks allowed each of the last four years. According to Pro Football Focus, he was the offensive line's top run-blocker and in 397 snaps in 2020, he allowed no sacks, no QB hits, just two QB hurries and was called for just one penalty.

The recipient of the 2021 Outland Trophy will be announced on The Home Depot College Football Awards, live on ESPN in December. The official presentation to the winner will be made at the Outland Trophy Awards Dinner sponsored by Werner Enterprises and produced by the Greater Omaha Sports Committee in Omaha, Neb., on Jan. 12, 2022.