HOUSTON - Western Michigan offensive lineman Chad Schuster was recognized on the 2026 Lomabrdi Award Preseason Watchlist, as announced by the Rotary Club of Houston. The award is given annually to the top lineman or linebacker in all of college football. 

Schuster, who was also named to the Outland Trophy Watch List, started in a career-high 13 games in 2024. 

#MACtion on 2026 Preseason Watchlists
Maxwell Award
Jordan Gant, Akron
Broc Lowry, Western Michigan
Jalen Buckley, Western Michigan

Outland Trophy
Evan Malcore, Miami
Chad Schuster, Western Michigan

Bronko Nagurski
Bryce Llewellyn, Eastern Michigan
Josh Franklin, Western Michigan

John Mackey Award
Terik Mulder, Kent State
Joshua Long, Eastern Michigan

Rimington Trophy
Nicholas Gallegos, Eastern Michigan

Paul Hornung Award
Keith Reynolds, Miami

Wuerffel Trophy
Caden Britton, Ball State 
Stevie Bracey, Buffalo 
Angel Flores, Central Michigan 
Dennis Strey Jr., Eastern Michigan 
Wayne Harris, Kent State 
Riley Bloch, UMass 
DJ Walker, Ohio 
Derek Houston, Sacramento State
Matt Hofer, Toledo
Dakari Frazier, Western Michigan 

Lombardi Award
Chad Schuster, Western Michigan

Jim Thorpe Award
DJ Walker, Ohio