GLENDALE, ARIZ. (SMU) - Jalen Hale and Jonathan Jefferson have each been named to the 2026 Comeback Player of the Year Preseason Watchlist, the organization announced Thursday.
 
Hale, an Alabama transfer, only appeared in five games in 2025 and was forced to sit out the 2024 campaign due to injury. His freshman season, he increasingly earned more playing time, finishing with five receptions, 148 yards and one touchdown. Hale earned one of the offensive players of the week from the Alabama coaching staff for his work against Kentucky, when he brought in a 51-yard reception.
 
Georgia native Jonathan Jefferson is coming back after a medical redshirt as well. In 2024, he appeared in 13 games, recording 17 tackles and two pass breakups.
 
Since 2018, this award recognizes college football student-athletes for overcoming injury, illness or other circumstances. The panel consists of the Associated Press, College Sports Communicators (CSC) and Fiesta Bowl staff.
 
Three college football student-athletes are honored as Comeback Player of the Year Award winners. They will be honored during an on-field ceremony on December 30, 2026 during the College Football Playoff Semifinal at the VRBO Fiesta Bowl in Glendale, Arizona.
 
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About the Fiesta Bowl Organization
The Fiesta Bowl is a world-class community organization that executes innovative experiences, drives economic growth and champions charitable causes, inspiring pride in all Arizonans. As a nonprofit organization, it believes in the importance of community outreach and service. Through charitable giving, the organization strives to enhance Arizona nonprofit organizations that contribute to the success of communities through youth, sports and education. Since 1971, the Fiesta Bowl has worked to increase its footprint across the state and work to benefit Arizonans year-round, during and outside of bowl season. In the month of December, the organization manages the PlayStation Fiesta Bowl, Cheez-It Bowl and the Fiesta Bowl Parade.