Will Anderson Jr.

Will Anderson Jr. established himself as one of the nation’s premier defensive talents, earning numerous accolades during his collegiate career at Alabama (2020-2022), including two Bronko Nagurski Trophies and two SEC Defensive Player of the Year honors. Prior to his collegiate success, Anderson showcased his impactful play during his senior year in 2019, recording an impressive 22 sacks and 15 tackles for loss, earning him a spot on The Atlanta Journal-Constitution’s ‘Super 11’ team and an invitation to the 2020 All-American Bowl. His sophomore year at Alabama in 2021 was particularly decorated, as he earned unanimous First-Team All-American status and led the nation with 17.5 sacks and 34.5 tackles for loss, ultimately ranking fifth in Heisman Trophy voting.

Anderson continued this dominance into 2022, securing his second Bronko Nagurski Trophy and SEC Defensive Player of the Year title, alongside the Chuck Bednarik Award, Lott Trophy, and Lombardi Award. He concluded his time with the Crimson Tide ranked second in program history for career sacks (34.5) and tackles for loss (62), having also contributed to Alabama’s 2021 College Football Playoff National Championship win as a freshman in 2020, where he earned second-team All-SEC honors with 7 sacks and 10.5 tackles for loss. Anderson’s exceptional collegiate performance led to his selection as the third overall pick by the Houston Texans in the 2023 NFL Draft, where he signed a four-year deal worth $35.2 million. He made an immediate impact in the league, recording a sack in his NFL debut and becoming the first rookie in Texans history to achieve this milestone in Week 1.

Looking ahead, his sustained excellence was recognized by his inclusion at #46 in the NFL Top 100 for 2025, further solidifying his reputation as a top defensive player in the league.