Texas Tech University Athletics
Three Red Raiders named to Lombardi watch list
August 11, 2026 | Football
HOUSTON – Texas Tech's Terrance Carter Jr., A.J. Holmes Jr. and Ben Roberts were named to the 2026 Lombardi Trophy preseason watch list, the Rotary Club of Houston announced Tuesday. The award honors the most outstanding college football lineman or linebacker who displays exceptional performance and ability while embodying the character and discipline championed by legendary coach Vince Lombardi throughout his life.
The distinguished group features 54 of the nation's premier linemen and linebackers, which also includes tight ends attached to the offensive line. The Red Raider trio accounts for three of the six Big 12 players named to the list. The Big Ten leads all conferences with 17 selections, followed by the SEC with 16 and the ACC with four.
Holmes lands on his third preseason watch list of the season, joining the Outland Trophy and Bronko Nagurski Trophy watch lists. A returning 2025 second-team All-America selection, the Houston native enters his final collegiate season among the highest-rated returning interior defensive linemen in the country. Holmes recorded 38 tackles (19 solo) last season, including 9.0 for loss and 4.5 sacks, after recording at least one tackle in all 14 games.
Carter emerged as one of the nation's top pass-catching tight ends in 2025, hauling in 55 passes for 624 yards and five touchdowns. He finished second on the team in receptions and fourth in both receiving yards and receiving touchdowns. Carter was named to the Mackey Award Watch List last week, joining 43 players recognized for the award presented annually to the nation's most outstanding collegiate tight end.
Roberts finished as the Red Raiders' second-leading tackler in 2025, totaling 90 stops (44 solo), including 4.0 for loss. The 2025 Big 12 Championship Game's Most Outstanding Player, Roberts earns his third preseason watch list recognition after being named to the Bronko Nagurski Trophy Watch List one week ago, and also the Wuerffel Trophy today.
Last year, Texas Tech boasted two of the four Lombardi Award finalists in Jacob Rodriguez and David Bailey, with Rodriguez becoming the program's first Lombardi Award winner. At the time of the award, Rodriguez led the FBS with seven forced fumbles and ranked among the nation's top 15 players with 117 tackles. He was the first FBS player since 2005 to record at least five forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries and four interceptions in the same season.
As the 2026 season unfolds, the watch list may evolve with the potential to add breakout performers at midseason. The student-athletes recognized not only compete for the Lombardi Award distinction on the gridiron but also carry forward the legacy of a coaching icon through their dedication and perseverance. Celebrating its 53rd anniversary, the Lombardi Award has been presented in Houston since its establishment in 1970. The 2026 award dinner is scheduled for Dec. 9, with net proceeds from gala sponsorships and table sales dedicated to supporting cancer research.
THE LOMBARDI AWARD
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. The watch list also includes players who consistently demonstrate strength, agility and football acumen at their respective positions.
The distinguished group features 54 of the nation's premier linemen and linebackers, which also includes tight ends attached to the offensive line. The Red Raider trio accounts for three of the six Big 12 players named to the list. The Big Ten leads all conferences with 17 selections, followed by the SEC with 16 and the ACC with four.
Holmes lands on his third preseason watch list of the season, joining the Outland Trophy and Bronko Nagurski Trophy watch lists. A returning 2025 second-team All-America selection, the Houston native enters his final collegiate season among the highest-rated returning interior defensive linemen in the country. Holmes recorded 38 tackles (19 solo) last season, including 9.0 for loss and 4.5 sacks, after recording at least one tackle in all 14 games.
Carter emerged as one of the nation's top pass-catching tight ends in 2025, hauling in 55 passes for 624 yards and five touchdowns. He finished second on the team in receptions and fourth in both receiving yards and receiving touchdowns. Carter was named to the Mackey Award Watch List last week, joining 43 players recognized for the award presented annually to the nation's most outstanding collegiate tight end.
Roberts finished as the Red Raiders' second-leading tackler in 2025, totaling 90 stops (44 solo), including 4.0 for loss. The 2025 Big 12 Championship Game's Most Outstanding Player, Roberts earns his third preseason watch list recognition after being named to the Bronko Nagurski Trophy Watch List one week ago, and also the Wuerffel Trophy today.
Last year, Texas Tech boasted two of the four Lombardi Award finalists in Jacob Rodriguez and David Bailey, with Rodriguez becoming the program's first Lombardi Award winner. At the time of the award, Rodriguez led the FBS with seven forced fumbles and ranked among the nation's top 15 players with 117 tackles. He was the first FBS player since 2005 to record at least five forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries and four interceptions in the same season.
As the 2026 season unfolds, the watch list may evolve with the potential to add breakout performers at midseason. The student-athletes recognized not only compete for the Lombardi Award distinction on the gridiron but also carry forward the legacy of a coaching icon through their dedication and perseverance. Celebrating its 53rd anniversary, the Lombardi Award has been presented in Houston since its establishment in 1970. The 2026 award dinner is scheduled for Dec. 9, with net proceeds from gala sponsorships and table sales dedicated to supporting cancer research.
THE LOMBARDI AWARD
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. The watch list also includes players who consistently demonstrate strength, agility and football acumen at their respective positions.
Players Mentioned
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