The Lombardi Award Committee announced today that linebacker Sammy Brown has been named as one of 54 players on the watch list for the Lombardi Award, presented to the nation's top lineman or linebacker. Additional information from award organizers is included below.
Visit the 2026 Preseason Honors hub for more preseason accolades garnered by Clemson.
The Lombardi Award Committee proudly unveils the 2026 Preseason Watchlist, spotlighting 54 of the nation’s top linemen and linebackers from across all FBS conferences and independents.
This year’s list features a balanced mix of offensive and defensive standouts, from dominant tackles and guards to elite linebackers and ends, representing powerhouse programs nationwide. With strong showings from the SEC (16), Big Ten (17), Big 12 (6), and ACC (4), plus top talent from other conferences, the watchlist celebrates excellence across college football.
As the season progresses, new breakout players may join this prestigious group, continuing the Lombardi legacy of grit, leadership, and excellence on and off the field.
C Brady Small, Army
OG Paolo Gennarelli, Army
LB Sammy Brown, Clemson
EDGE Clev Lubin, Louisville
LB Cade Uluave, BYU
OG Evan Tengesdahl, Cincinnati
OG Shadre Hurst, Houston
TE Terrance Carter Jr., Texas Tech
DT A.J. Holmes Jr., Texas Tech
LB Ben Roberts, Texas Tech
LB Rolijah Hardy, Indiana
LB Isaiah Jones, Indiana
OT Carter Smith, Indiana
DT Tyrique Tucker, Indiana
OT Trevor Lauck, Iowa
C Kade Pieper, Iowa
DE John Henry Daley, Michigan
DE Anthony Smith, Minnesota
C Carson Hinzman, Ohio State
OG Luke Montgomery, Ohio State
OG Austin Siereveld, Ohio State
TE Jamari Johnson, Oregon
C Iapani Laloulu, Oregon
EDGE Teitum Tuioti, Oregon
EDGE Matayo Uiagalelei, Oregon
DT A'Mauri Washington, Oregon
TE Benjamin Brahmer, Penn State
C Steven Demboski, Delaware
LB Baron Hopson, Kennesaw State
LB Kolbe Fields, Louisiana Tech
OG Anthonie Knapp, Notre Dame
LB Kyngstonn Viliamu-Asa, Notre Dame
OT Chad Schuster, Western Michigan
EDGE Dylan LaBarbera, Nevada
LB Jaxton Eck, New Mexico
EDGE Jayden Virgin-Morgan, Boise State
LB Xavier Atkins, Auburn
C Drew Bobo, Georgia
TE Trey'Dez Green, LSU
OT Jordan Seaton, LSU
DE Princewill Umanmielen, LSU
LB Whit Weeks, LSU
OT Cayden Green, Missouri
DT David Stone, Oklahoma
DT Will Echoles, Ole Miss
EDGE Dylan Stewart, South Carolina
OG Wendell Moe Jr., Tennessee
LB Rasheem Biles, Texas
OT Trevor Goosby, Texas
EDGE Colin Simmons, Texas
DT DJ Hicks, Texas A&M
DE Anto Saka, Texas A&M
C Zach Greenberg, James Madison
EDGE Donnie Smith, Troy