The 2025 season is about to his the home stretch, so it’s time for awards! Last week, the Big Ten was honored with four Thorpe Award semifinalists. This week, the Lombardi Award has released its list of 13 semifinalists. Led by five, the Big Ten boasts the largest contingent of players from a single conference. The Big 12 and SEC earned three each, while the ACC had a pair.
Each year, the Lombardi Award recognizes offensive linemen, defensive linemen, and linebackers “who embody the discipline, character, and excellence of legendary coach Vince Lombardi.” Penn State’s Carl Nassib was the last Big Ten player (who was in the conference at the time) to win the award in 2015. This year, three Ohio State defenders lead the way.
The winner of the Lombardi Award will be announced on December 10.
Big Ten Boasts Five Lombardi Award Semifinalists
A Trio of Buckeyes
Ohio State had to replace eight NFL Draft picks from last year’s elite defense, and, somehow, is better. The only returning starter on the defensive front seven is Sonny Styles. A player who could have joined his teammates in last year’s draft, Styles elected to return to Columbus to further hone his craft. After breaking out at linebacker last year, Styles has taken another step and could be considered one of the best linebackers in the country. In addition to the Lombardi Award, Styles was named a semifinalist for the Butkus Award. In eight games, Styles has amassed 45 tackles, two-and-a-half tackles for loss, a pass breakup, a forced fumble, and his first career interception.
Perhaps the greatest breakout on the Buckeye defense this year has been Arvell Reese. The third-year linebacker went from “who is replacing Cody Simon” to potential top-10 pick territory. This year, Reese has totaled 54 tackles, nine tackles for loss, six-and-a-half sacks, and two pass breakups. NFL scouts have been raving about Reese, from his explosiveness to his strength. He and Styles are the only teammates on the Butkus Award semifinalist list in addition to the Lombardi.
Finally, Caden Curry has broken out on the defensive line. He waited for his turn for years and finally got his shot. This year, Curry has amassed 37 tackles, 10.5 tackles for loss, seven sacks, a pass breakup, and a fumble recovery.
Styles, Reese, and Curry are working to become the seventh Buckeye to win the award.
Aiden Fisher and Matayo Uiagalelei
The other two from the Big Ten are predictable because of their consistent top-tier play. Indiana’s Aiden Fisher is a popular name for defensive awards. After putting up 100+ tackles in each of his last two seasons, Fisher is well on his way to a third. The senior linebacker paces the Hoosiers’ defense with 49 tackles, seven tackles for loss, two-and-a-half sacks, and even tallied a 25-yard pick-six.
Last year, Fisher was a first-team All-American from Phil Steele and the FWAA, while Sporting News and Sports Illustrated named him on the second team. Fisher can become the first Hoosier to win the Lombardi Award.
Matayo Uiagalelei wraps up the Big Ten’s presence on the Lombardi Award semifinalist list. The Oregon star EDGE rusher has 14 tackles this season with five tackles for loss, four sacks, and three pass breakups. Last year, he finished with 12.5 tackles for loss and 10.5 sacks with an interception and two forced fumbles.
Uiagalelei could join Ugo Amadi (2018) as the only Ducks to win the award.
The Rest of the Field
- Keylan Rutledge, Guard, Georgia Tech
- Rueben Bain Jr., EDGE, Miami (FL)
- David Bailey, EDGE, Texas Tech
- Jacob Rodriguez, Linebacker, Texas Tech
- Spencer Fano, Tackle, Utah
- Kadyn Proctor, Tackle, Alabama
- Cashius Howell, EDGE, Texas A&M
- Eli Stowers, Tight End, Vanderbilt
Main Image: Troy Wayrynen-Imagn Images
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