On Monday, the Maxwell Football Club National Selection Committee announced the semifinalists for the 29th Chuck Bednarik Award. Eichenberg was listed among the 20 candidates for the Bednarik Award, given out annually to the best defensive player in college football.

Players from seven different conferences are represented on this list, along with one independent. The Big Ten and SEC lead the way with four representatives each, followed by three each from the Big 12 and ACC.