Bowling Green State University Athletics
Dorian Pringle Named To 2026 College Football Comeback Player of the Year Pre-Season Watch List
August 20, 2026 | Football
Pringle One Of Eight MAC Players Named To Watch List
NEW YORK, N.Y. - The 2026 College Football Comeback Player of the Year Pre-Season Watch List was announced Thursday (Aug. 20) afternoon. Among those named to the watch list was Bowling Green linebacker Dorian Pringle. The recognition for Pringle marks his third of the offseason after being named to the Athlon Sports preseason All-MAC First Team and the Phil Steele preseason All-MAC Second Team.Â
The College Football Comeback Player of the Year award has been presented since 2018 by the College Sports Communicators in association with The Associated Press and Fiesta Sports Foundation. This year's watch list consists of 94 college football student-athletes from 59 different schools, including eight representatives from the Mid-American Conference. Since 2018, the award has recognized college football student-athletes for overcoming injury, illness, or other circumstances. At the conclusion of each season, in a vote by a panel of college football writers, editors, and sports information directors, three college football student-athletes are honored as Comeback Player of the Year Award winners at the Vrbo Fiesta Bowl.Â
Last season, Pringle started the first three games for the Falcons before his season was cut short due to injury. Over those three games, he led the team in tackles with 27, registering seven tackles for loss, an interception and a half sack. In each of the first two games of the year he recorded 10 tackles, including three TFLs against Lafayette and a forced fumble against Cincinnati. In his action of the season, coming against Liberty, he added seven tackles and another interception for the Orange and Brown.Â
Pringle and the Falcons return to Doyt Perry Stadium on Saturday, Sept. 5 at noon to open the 2026 season against Tarleton. The game will be broadcast on ESPN+. Single-game and season tickets are on sale for all Bowling Green home football games. Fans can purchase tickets online, by calling 419-372-0000 or by visiting the Stroh Center Ticket Office Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.Â
Follow the Falcons
Be sure to follow the Falcons football team on social media
Twitter - @BGSU_Athletics and @BG_Football
Instagram - 'bgfalcons' and 'bgsufootball'
Facebook - 'BGSU Athletics'
YouTube - 'Falcon Athletics'
The College Football Comeback Player of the Year award has been presented since 2018 by the College Sports Communicators in association with The Associated Press and Fiesta Sports Foundation. This year's watch list consists of 94 college football student-athletes from 59 different schools, including eight representatives from the Mid-American Conference. Since 2018, the award has recognized college football student-athletes for overcoming injury, illness, or other circumstances. At the conclusion of each season, in a vote by a panel of college football writers, editors, and sports information directors, three college football student-athletes are honored as Comeback Player of the Year Award winners at the Vrbo Fiesta Bowl.Â
Last season, Pringle started the first three games for the Falcons before his season was cut short due to injury. Over those three games, he led the team in tackles with 27, registering seven tackles for loss, an interception and a half sack. In each of the first two games of the year he recorded 10 tackles, including three TFLs against Lafayette and a forced fumble against Cincinnati. In his action of the season, coming against Liberty, he added seven tackles and another interception for the Orange and Brown.Â
Pringle and the Falcons return to Doyt Perry Stadium on Saturday, Sept. 5 at noon to open the 2026 season against Tarleton. The game will be broadcast on ESPN+. Single-game and season tickets are on sale for all Bowling Green home football games. Fans can purchase tickets online, by calling 419-372-0000 or by visiting the Stroh Center Ticket Office Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.Â
Follow the Falcons
Be sure to follow the Falcons football team on social media
Twitter - @BGSU_Athletics and @BG_Football
Instagram - 'bgfalcons' and 'bgsufootball'
Facebook - 'BGSU Athletics'
YouTube - 'Falcon Athletics'
Players Mentioned
Thursday, August 20
Wednesday, August 19
Sunday, August 16
Friday, August 14












