When it comes to the trenches, Ohio State has some of the best players in college football.
On Thursday, offensive lineman Donovan Jackson and defensive linemen JT Tuimoloau, Jack Sawyer and Tyleik Williams were named preseason candidates for the Lombardi Award, an honor presented to a player who epitomizes the "leadership, courage, performance and discipline" of NFL legend Vince Lombardi.
4 Buckeyes earn Preseason Lombardi Watch List honors
— Ohio State Football (@OhioStateFB) August 15, 2024
@JT_Tuimoloau @jacksawyer33 @tyleikk @D_jack78 pic.twitter.com/NQ9qUpPgDr
The preseason watch list includes 18 defensive tackles, 17 defensive ends and 19 linebackers. It also includes 18 offensive tackles, 10 guards, six centers, and two tight ends. Of those players, 19 are from the SEC, 18 are from the Big Ten and 13 are from the Big 12. There are also representatives from the ACC, American, Conference USA, Sun Belt, Pac-12, Mountain West, MAC and independent teams.
Jackson will be the unquestioned leader on Ohio State's offensive line this season. Before his preseason nomination for the Lombardi Award, the 6-foot-4, 320-pound senior from Cypress, Texas, also appeared on a watch list for the Outland Trophy, presented to the best interior lineman in college football.
On the other side of the ball, Tuimoloau, Williams and Sawyer will be three of four starters on the Buckeyes' defensive line. This preseason, Tuimoloau has appeared on watch lists for the Bronko Nagurski Trophy and Lott IMPACT Trophy, Williams has appeared on watch lists for the Bronko Nagurski Trophy and Outland Trophy and Sawyer has appeared on a watch list for the Bednarik Award.
Buckeyes on Preseason Awards Watch Lists
Maxwell Award
- Emeka Egbuka, wide receiver
- Quinshon Judkins, running back
- Will Howard, quarterback
Bronko Nagurski Trophy
- Caleb Downs, safety
- Tyleik Williams, defensive tackle
- JT Tuimoloau, defensive end
- Denzel Burke, cornerback
Outland Trophy
- Josh Fryar, offensive tackle
- Donovan Jackson, offensive lineman
- Tyleik Williams, defensive tackle
Jim Thorpe Award
- Denzel Burke, cornerback
- Caleb Downs, safety
Lott IMPACT Trophy
- Denzel Burke, cornerback
- Caleb Downs, safety
- JT Tuimoloau, defensive end
Dodd Trophy
- Ryan Day, head coach
Paul Hornung Award
- Emeka Egbuka, wide receiver
Wuerffel Trophy
- Seth McLaughlin, offensive line
Walter Camp Player of The Year
- Emeka Egbuka, wide receiver
- Quinshon Judkins, running back
- Will Howard, quarterback
Doak Walker Award
- TreVeyon Henderson, running back
- Quinshon Judkins, running back
Biletnikoff Award
- Emeka Egbuka, wide receiver
Davey O'Brien Award
- Will Howard, quarterback
Rimington Trophy
- Seth McLaughlin, offensive line
Bednarik Award
- Denzel Burke, cornerback
- Caleb Downs, safety
- Jack Sawyer, defensive end
Lombardi Award
- Donovan Jackson, offensive line
- JT Tuimoloau, defensive end
- Jack Sawyer, defensive end
- Tyleik Williams, defensive tackle
