AMES, Iowa – Iowa State defensive lineman Domonique Orange and cornerback Jontez Williams were named to the 2025 Chuck Bednarik watch list Monday. The Bednarik Award has been presented annually to the most outstanding defensive player in college football since 1995.

Iowa State is one of two Big 12 teams (Texas Tech) with at least two players featured on the watch list. Both Orange and Williams were preseason All-Big 12 selections.

Orange, a two-time honorable mention All-Big 12 selection in his career, finished last season with 24 tackles, including 4.5 for a loss. In the final five games of the season Orange notched 14 tackles, 3.5 of which came behind the line of scrimmage.

Williams, a Second Team All-Big 12 selection a season ago, anchored the defense as a lock down cornerback. He allowed only one touchdown and a 19.6 passer rating in 338 coverage snaps in 2024. Williams is the highest-graded returning corner in the Big 12, per PFF.

The Starke, Florida native led the Cyclones and tied for third in the Big 12 with four interceptions to go along with five pass breakups. All four of his interceptions came in consecutive games which tied for the second-longest streak in school history.

Iowa State opens the 2025 season August 23 in Dublin, Ireland against Kansas State in the Aer Lingus College Football Classic. Season tickets are on sale, here.

Orange’s Preseason Honors
Preseason All-Big 12
Chuck Bednarik watch list
Outland Trophy watch list

Athlon Fourth-Team All-American

Williams’ Preseason Honors
Preseason All-Big 12

Chuck Bednarik Award watch list

Bronko Nagurski Trophy watch list

Jim Thorpe Award watch list

Phil Steele Third-Team All-American