Tre Smith, Malcolm Hartzog Named to Comeback Player of the Year Watch List
08/20/2026 | Football
TUCSON, Ariz. — Two Arizona Football players returning from injuries sustained in 2025 — defensive lineman Tre Smith and safety Malcolm Hartzog — have been named to the 2026 Comeback Player of the Year Award watch list, the College Sports Communicators announced on Thursday.
Smith and Hartzog are among the 94 student-athletes from 59 different programs named to the preseason watch list. Since 2018, the award has recognized college football student-athletes for overcoming injury, illness, or other circumstances.
Smith, a sixth year player who is heading into his third season with the Wildcats, played in four games in 2025 before suffering an injury that ended his campaign. Prior to going down, Smith tallied seven tackles, one tackle for loss, and a fumble recovery to earn a 79.1 PFF defensive grade. Across 12 games in his first season at Arizona in 2024, Smith picked up 53 tackles, 7.5 tackles for loss, 4.5 sacks, and one forced fumble.
Hartzog, a fifth year defensive back who transferred to Arizona from Nebraska this offseason, started the first two games of the Cornhuskers 2025 campaign before undergoing season-ending surgery. In limited time at Nebraska last season, Hartzog notched one tackle, one pass breakup, and one interception; his interception sealed the Huskers victory over Cincinnati; came in the end zone on the Bearcats final play with Nebraska holding a three-point lead.
At the conclusion of the 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.
The Wildcats return to action on Saturday, Sept. 5 when they kick off the 2026 season against Northern Arizona at Casino Del Sol Stadium in Tucson.
Smith and Hartzog are among the 94 student-athletes from 59 different programs named to the preseason watch list. Since 2018, the award has recognized college football student-athletes for overcoming injury, illness, or other circumstances.
Smith, a sixth year player who is heading into his third season with the Wildcats, played in four games in 2025 before suffering an injury that ended his campaign. Prior to going down, Smith tallied seven tackles, one tackle for loss, and a fumble recovery to earn a 79.1 PFF defensive grade. Across 12 games in his first season at Arizona in 2024, Smith picked up 53 tackles, 7.5 tackles for loss, 4.5 sacks, and one forced fumble.
Hartzog, a fifth year defensive back who transferred to Arizona from Nebraska this offseason, started the first two games of the Cornhuskers 2025 campaign before undergoing season-ending surgery. In limited time at Nebraska last season, Hartzog notched one tackle, one pass breakup, and one interception; his interception sealed the Huskers victory over Cincinnati; came in the end zone on the Bearcats final play with Nebraska holding a three-point lead.
At the conclusion of the 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.
The Wildcats return to action on Saturday, Sept. 5 when they kick off the 2026 season against Northern Arizona at Casino Del Sol Stadium in Tucson.
Tickets
Season tickets, single-game tickets, mini plans, and more options for the 2026 Arizona Football season are available for purchase now. Fans who don't want to miss a minute of the action at Casino Del Sol Stadium this fall can secure their tickets by clicking HERE or by calling 520-621-CATS (2287) today.
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