CHARLOTTE, N.C. (theACC.com) – Nine Atlantic Coast Conference football players have been named to the preseason watch list for the 2025 Lombardi Award, as announced Tuesday by the Rotary Club of Houston.
Presented annually, the Lombardi Award honors the college football offensive or defensive lineman who best embodies the character, discipline, and excellence of NFL Hall of Fame head coach Vince Lombardi, while also demonstrating outstanding performance and ability on the field.
To be considered for the Lombardi Award, players must be an NCAA FBS College Football team member and meet the following qualifications:
- Be a down Lineman, end to end, either on offense or defense, setting up no further than ten (10) yards to the left or right of the ball at the time of the snap.
- Be a Linebacker on defense, setting up no further than five (5) yards deep from the line of scrimmage.
- Must not come out of the offensive backfield and set up on the line of scrimmage as a Blocker or a Receiver or listed in the program as an Offensive Back or Receiver.
- Be eligible to participate in the current season.
ACC Players Named to the 2025 Lombardi Award Preseason Watch List
Name, School, Class, Position
Sammy Brown, Clemson, Sophomore, Linebacker
Blake Miller, Clemson, Senior, Offensive Tackle
T.J. Parker, Clemson, Junior, Defensive End
Peter Woods, Clemson, Junior, Defensive Tackle
Brian Parker II, Duke, Redshirt-Junior, Offensive Tackle
Keylan Rutledge, Georgia Tech, Senior, Offensive Guard
Rueben Bain Jr., Miami, Junior, Defensive End
Francis Mauigoa, Miami, Junior, Offensive Tackle
Kyle Louis, Pitt, Junior, Linebacker
Celebrating its 52nd anniversary, the Lombardi Award has been presented in Houston, Texas, since its establishment in 1970. The 2025 award dinner is scheduled for December 10, 2025, with net proceeds from gala sponsorships and table sales dedicated to supporting cancer research.
The Rotary Lombardi Award is presented annually by the Rotary Club of Houston to the college football player who best embodies the values and spirit of legendary NFL head coach Vince Lombardi. Established in 1970, shortly after Lombardi’s passing, the award honors athletes who display his trademark character, discipline, and excellence. The original eligibility criteria set forth by the selection committee at the program’s inception remain in place today.