BYU defensive back Faletau Satuala was named to the Jim Thorpe Award preseason watch list, recognizing the nation's top defensive backs, according to byucougars.com.

Satuala's selection places him among elite college defensive backs entering the 2026 season. The Jim Thorpe Award, presented annually since 1986, honors excellence in defensive back play and is considered one of college football's premier position awards.

The recognition comes as BYU prepares for Big 12 competition with Satuala expected to anchor the secondary. His watch list inclusion adds to BYU's six preseason All-Big 12 selections announced earlier.