CLEVELAND -- Buffalo's Kobe Stewart and Central Michigan's Jordan Kwiatkowski represented the Mid-American Conference on the 2025 Lombardi Award Watch List, as announced by the Lombardi Award Committee. The watch list includes 90 of the nation's top linemen and linebackers. Based on previous performances and potential for the coming season, this list consists of a select group of talented athletes representing the very best from all FBS conferences and independents.
Stewart was a second-team All-MAC selection in 2024 after leading the Mid-American Conference in sacks with 9.5. It was one sack shy of Khalil Mack's UB FBS-era record of 10.5 sacks set in 2013. Stewart added 40 tackles, 12 tackles for loss, a forced fumble and a fumble recovery.
It is the second preseason watch list for Stewart who was also named to the Chuck Bednarik Award watch list.
In 2024, Kwiatkowski earned Second Team All-MAC honors after leading Central Michigan in tackles (96), solo tackles (48), tackles for loss (14.5-30 yards), along with one interception, one pass breakup, and a quarterback hurry. The Sterling Heights, Mich. native ranked No. 46 in the nation in total tackles (8.0 per game), No. 8 in the MAC in tackles (8.0 per game), and No. 3 in tackles for loss (1.17 per game). He also registered 10 or more tackles in four games and led CMU in tackles in five contests.
This is also Kwiatkowski's second preseason watch list nod as the linebacker was named to the Butkus Award Watch List earlier this month.
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 Lombardi Award™ was established in 1970 in memory of legendary coach Vince Lombardi. It is presented to outstanding linemen who best epitomize his values of leadership, courage, performance, and discipline on and off the field. Furthermore, the watchlist includes players who are consistently showing the values of strength, agility, and football acumen in their respective positions.
MACtion on Preseason Watch Lists
Maxwell Award
Al-Jay Henderson, Buffalo
Parker Navarro, Ohio
Tucker Gleason, Toledo
Jalen Buckley, Western Michigan
Bronko Nagurski
Red Murdock, Buffalo
Jim Thorpe Award
Tank Pearson, Ohio
DJ Walker, Ohio
Avery Smith, Toledo
Paul Hornung Award
Ty Harding, UMass
Trayvon Rudolph, Toledo
Victor Snow, Buffalo
Wuerffel Trophy Watch List
Keylen Davis, Akron
Kiael Kelly, Ball State
Drew Pyne, Bowling Green
Red Murdock, Buffalo
Michael Heldman, Central MIchigan
Jefferson Adam, Eastern Michigan
Mattheus Carroll, Kent State
Brock Taylor, UMass
Abiathar Curry, Northern Illinois
Matt Hofer, Toledo
Tyson Lee, Western Michigan
Lou Groza Award
Dom Dzioban, Miami
Ray Guy Award
John Henderson, Bowling Green
Walter Camp Player of the Year
Dequan Finn, Miami
Al-Jay Henderson, Buffalo
Parker Navarro, Ohio
Biletnikoff Award
Junior Vandeross III, Toledo
Davey O'Brien Award
Parker Navarro, Ohio
Tucker Gleason, Toledo
John Mackey Award
Mason Williams, Ohio
Blake Bosma, Western Michigan
Chuck Bednarik Award
Red Murdock, Buffalo
Kobe Stewart, Buffalo
DJ Walker, Ohio
Avery Smith, Toledo
Lombardi Award
Kobe Stewart, Buffalo
Jordan Kwiatkowski, Central Michigan
