Outland Trophy names Blake Miller to the preseason watchlist

Offensive tackle Blake Miller has been named to the Outland Trophy watch list. The Outland is awarded annually to the best college football interior lineman in the nation, regardless of which side of the ball they play.

It was first awarded in 1946 to George Connor from Notre Dame. No Clemson players have won the award during its 79-year history. T’Vondre Sweat from Texas won the award in 2023. Other notable winners include Olusegun Oluwatimi (Michigan), Jordan Davis (Georgia), Penei Sewell (Oregon), Aaron Donald (Pittsburgh), and Ndamukong Suh (Nebraska).

The trophy is named after John Henry Outland, who played for three colleges (William Penn, Kansas, and Pennsylvania) between 1891 and 1899. He then coached before entering administration. He was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2001.

Seventy-five players have been placed on the watch list this season. Three finalists will be named in November. The winner will be announced as part of The Home Depot College Football Awards show on ESPN on December 12th. Other notable names include Bear Alexander (USC), Chase Bisontis (Texas A&M), Howard Cross (Notre Dame), and Walter Nolen (Ole Miss).

Miller is 6’-6” and 310 pounds. He is from Strongsville, Ohio. He was named the starter at right tackle as a true freshman in 2022. Through two seasons with the Tigers, he has started all 27 games that Clemson has played.

Miller is a third-team (Pick Six Previews) and fourth-team (Phil Steele and Athlon) preseason All-American this year. Steele and Athlon also named him to their first-team preseason All-ACC team. He is expected to be one of the Tigers’ best linemen this season.

Miller joins the list of Clemson players and coaches who have been named to preseason watchlists.

Cade Klubnik (Maxwell)

Phil Mafah (Maxwell)

Peter Woods (Bronko Nagurski)

Barrett Carter (Lott IMPACT)

Dabo Swinney (Dodd Trophy)