Cincinnati Football: Pace brothers placed on multiple preseason watch lists

One day after appearing on the Dick Butkus award preseason watch list, Deshawn and Ivan Pace were also placed on the Bronko Nagurski watch list for the nation’s best defensive player. The brothers and Cincinnati natives are reuniting this season for the first time since playing together at Colerain High School in 2019.

Cincinnati Football: Pace brothers placed on multiple preseason watch lists

Deshawn was a significant part of the Bearcats defense a year ago and will take on an even bigger role heading into his junior season. After three years at Miami (Ohio), Ivan transferred to Cincinnati in January and will look to step in alongside his younger brother. Wil Huber and Ty Van Fossen will also get plenty of run at linebacker.

Despite being one of the younger players on Cincinnati’s defense, Deshawn finished with a team-high four interceptions and was fourth on the team with 95 tackles in 2021. The 6’2, 215-pound linebacker could end up being a first or second round pick in the 2023 NFL Draft if his impressive trajectory continues this season.

Following a dominant campaign with the RedHawks, Ivan earned All-MAC honors and was named MAC Defensive Player of the Year per Pro Football Focus. The senior linebacker racked up 125 total tackles, second most in the conference, to go with 13 tackles for loss, four sacks and one interception in 13 games.

Both brothers consistently create havoc in the backfield, defend several positions and seamlessly drop into coverage. If the Bearcats can compete for a third consecutive conference championship, Deshawn and Ivan will likely have an outside shot to become a semifinalist for the Butkus and Nagurski awards in December.