The preseason watch list for the Lombardi Award, presented annually to the nation's most outstanding lineman, has been released, and it features a trio of Texas standouts whose performances have already turned heads across the SEC.
A tradition of leadership and discipline
Established in 1970, the Lombardi Award honors linemen who combine dominant play with the qualities of leadership, courage, performance and discipline. Past winners include notable names such as Kelvin Banks Jr., who captured the honor in 2024, setting a benchmark for future candidates.
Rasheem Biles, a senior linebacker from the University of Pittsburgh, earned his first spot on the watch list after leading the nation with 1.70 tackles for loss per game in 2025. His relentless pass rush and sideline-to-sideline activity have also secured him a Second‑Team All‑ACC selection and a place on the Bronko Nagurski Trophy preseason list.
Joining Biles on the list is Trevor Goosby, a senior left tackle from Melissa, Texas. Recognized as a Walter Camp preseason First‑Team All‑American and an All‑SEC First‑Team honoree, Goosby started all 13 games for Texas in 2025, providing a clean pocket for quarterback Arch Manning and helping the offense amass 472 yards in the season opener against San Jose State.
Colin Simmons, a junior edge rusher from Dallas, adds another layer of depth to the Texas defensive front. Having been named to the watch list for the second consecutive season, Simmons topped the team with 15.5 tackles for loss and 12 sacks in 2025, a performance that earned him multiple SEC Co‑Defensive Lineman of the Week accolades, including a standout effort that forced a fumble returned for a touchdown against Arkansas.
Building on past triumphs
The presence of these three players on the preseason list not only highlights individual excellence but also reflects the program's ability to develop talent that can compete with the nation's best. Their contributions are expected to shape Texas' defensive identity and bolster the team's quest for a championship run.
As the season unfolds, coaches and analysts will watch closely to see how Biles, Goosby and Simmons translate their preseason promise into on‑field dominance, potentially positioning Texas for another strong defensive showing in the SEC.