Bodnar Named to Comeback Player of the Year Award Watch List

Following a season that was cut short by an illness, Liberty's Christian Bodnar has fully recovered and is on the 2025 Comeback Player of the Year Award watch list.

Bodnar was one of 75 players from 51 FBS programs named to the preseason award watch list. Bodnar was the only Conference USA player named to the list and one of only 12 players from a Group of Six school.

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.

Bodnar was quickly becoming a rising star on Liberty's defense during the 2024 season. He tallied 13 tackles (eight solo, five assisted) and 2.5 tackles for a loss during the first five games.

The native of Brandon, Fla., also recorded two quarterback hurries and a pass breakup, while adding a 43-yard interception return against UTEP.

His breakout game would prove to be his last on the field, as Bodnar finished the FIU game with seven tackles (four solo, three assisted). The defensive back secured Liberty's win against the Panthers with a sack and a forced fumble to end the game in the 31-24 overtime win.

The week following the FIU game, Bodnar found himself in the hospital where it was determined he was suffering from post-infectious encephalitis. Encephalitis is an inflammation of the brain. It can be caused by viral or bacterial infections, or by immune cells mistakenly attacking the brain (according to the Mayo Clinic).

Bodnar would go on to miss the remainder of the 2024 season during his recovery process. The graduate of Bloomingdale Senior High School redshirted in 2023 after seeing playing time in three out of the last four games, including the Vrbo Fiesta Bowl against No. 8 Oregon.

Bodnar is a two-time Conference USA Commissioner's Honor Roll member. Prior to the 2025 season, he was named to the Phil Steele CUSA Preseason All-Conference third-team and the Athlon Sports CUSA Preseason All-Conference fourth-team.

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Bodnar Named to Comeback Player of the Year Award Watch List

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Christian Bodnar

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