The Lombardi Award Committee just released its 2025 preseason watch list, featuring 90 of the nation's top linemen and linebackers. The award honors an outstanding college football lineman, whether on offense or defense, who displays exceptional performance and ability and embodies the character and discipline that Vince Lombardi championed throughout his life.
Unlike most college football awards, the Lombardi Award recognizes players from a multitude of positions. On the first iteration of the preseason watch list, the roster includes 18 defensive tackles, 17 defensive ends, 19 linebackers, 18 offensive tackles, 10 offensive guards, 6 centers, and 2 tight ends.
Anthony Hill Jr. is undoubtedly one of the top linebackers in the nation, and he was the heart and soul of Texas' defense in 2024. He finished the season with 113 tackles, 17 TFL, 8 sacks, 1 interception, 1 pass deflection, 4 forced fumbles, and 1 fumble recovery.
Jack Endries looks to play a huge role in the Longhorns' offense in 2025, and he finished last season at Cal with 56 catches for 623 yards and two touchdowns. He'll look to improve on those numbers this year, especially in the touchdown department.
D.J. Campbell is also one of the top players at his position in all of college football, like Anthony Hill. Campbell will definitely be the leader of Texas' offensive line in 2025 and could possibly win multiple national awards following the season.
Simmons was an absolute nightmare for opposing offensive tackles and quarterbacks last season, racking up 48 tackles, 14 TFL, 9 sacks, 1 interception, 2 pass deflections, and 3 forced fumbles. It's hard to imagine that he wreaked so much havoc as a true freshman in 2024, and he'll look to be even better this year.