A pair of Kansas players were recognized on the preseason watchlist for the 2018 Outland Trophy, which was released Tuesday by the Football Writers Association of America.

Junior offensive lineman Hakeem Adeniji and senior defensive lineman Daniel Wise were both recognized on the list for the award that goes to the top interior lineman in the country.

This is the first year of a partnership with the NFID to present the Outland Trophy as part of a public awareness campaign focused on the importance of influenza prevention during the 2018-19 flu season.

University of Wisconsin All-American Joe Thomas, the 2006 Outland Trophy winner who retired earlier this year after an 11-year career with the Cleveland Browns, will serve as the ambassador for this campaign. He will announce the recipient of the 73rd Outland Trophy during ESPN’s The Home Depot College Football Awards on Dec. 6.

Up to seven semifinalists will be named on Nov. 14 in Omaha and three finalists for the award will be announced on Nov. 19.