Umanmielen Named to Lombardi Award Watch List

The award honors the college football offensive or defensive lineman who exemplifies the character and discipline of NFL Hall of Fame Head Coach Vince Lombardi in addition to outstanding performance and ability.

HOUSTON – Florida edge rusher Princely Umanmielen was named to the Lombardi Award Watch List, the Rotary Club of Houston announced Tuesday.

He also collected All-SEC Preseason Third Team honors from Athlon, Phil Steele and the media at SEC Media Days. Umanmielen finished as the team-leader in sacks (4.5), TFLs (9.5) and second in quarterback hurries (5) last season. Playing in all 13 games and starting in 11, the Manor, Texas native also posted 39 total tackles, 16 solo and two forced fumbles. In his last five starts, Umanmielen had 17 total tackles, 5.5 TFL (loss of 29 yards), 2.5 sacks, four quarterback hurries and one forced fumble.

On Monday, Umanmielen was named to the watch list for the Chuck Bednarik Award, the award presented annually to the college defensive player of the year. Umanmielen is one of nine defensive ends to make both the Bednarik and Lombardi Award watch list, as well as one of five SEC defensive players tabbed to both.

The Rotary Lombardi Award, now in its 50th year, is presented annually to the college football offensive or defensive lineman, who in addition to outstanding performance and ability, best exemplifies the character and discipline of NFL Hall of Fame head coach Vince Lombardi.

Semifinalists for the Lombardi Award will be announced Nov. 1, 2023, while the four finalists for the Lombardi Award will be unveiled Nov. 15, 2023. The winner of the 50th Lombardi Award will be announced Dec. 6, 2023.