Zock One Of 30 Finalists For Buck Buchanan Award

MACON – National recognition week continued for the nationally-ranked Mercer football team on Tuesday afternoon when sophomore defensive end Andrew Zock was named as one of 30 finalists for the Buck Buchanan Award which is presented to the national defensive player of the year in Division I FCS college football.

The award, in its 31st season, is named for legendary defensive lineman Junious "Buck" Buchanan, who starred at Grambling State as part of his Hall of Fame career. Past Buchanan recipients include Dexter Coakley, Rashean Mathis and Jared Allen. Central Arkansas' David Walker was last season's winner.

All 13 FCS conferences are represented by a finalist. The winner, to be selected by a national voting panel, will be announced at the Stats Perform FCS National Awards Show on Jan. 3, 2026, in Nashville, Tenn.

Zock has totaled 41 tackles (23 solo), including a school record 20.0 tackles for loss (-109 yards), across 11 starts this season, while also turning in 22 quarterback hurries, three pass break-ups, two forced fumbles and a fumble recovery. He has also logged a single season school record sack total (11.5). He has tallied multiple tackles for loss in seven outings, including a season-best 4-1/2 drops behind the line in Mercer's Week 3 win over Wofford.

The Citra, Fla., native has accumulated 34-1/2 tackles for loss (18-1/2 sacks) in two seasons and 25 games in the Orange & Black. He also boasts a school record 36 quarterback hurries.

The sixth-seeded Bears (9-2, 8-0 SoCon) will begin their road in the NCAA postseason on December 6 when they suit up to take on either 11th-seeded South Dakota (8-4) or Drake (8-3) in the second round of the NCAA FCS Playoffs. Kickoff has been scheduled for noon at Five Star Stadium.

Tickets for the game can be purchased by visiting MercerBears.com/Tickets.

Zock One Of 30 Finalists For Buck Buchanan Award

Players Mentioned

Andrew Zock

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