In a significant acknowledgment of their skills, Notre Dame's junior offensive lineman Anthonie Knapp and junior linebacker Kyngstonn Viliamu-Asa have been named to the prestigious Lombardi Award Watch List. This award honors outstanding linemen and linebackers who exemplify leadership, courage, performance, and discipline both on and off the field.
Notre Dame has a rich history with the Lombardi Award, having produced five winners since its inception. Notable past recipients include defensive end Walt Patulski in 1971, defensive end Ross Browner in 1977, defensive tackle Chris Zorich in 1990, offensive lineman Aaron Taylor in 1993, and linebacker Manti Te’o in 2012. Additionally, several student-athletes from Notre Dame have been recognized as finalists for the award, showcasing the university's strong tradition of excellence in football.
Anthonie Knapp has made a significant impact on the field, having started all 12 games last season at left tackle and accumulating a total of 29 starts over the past two years. His performance has been instrumental in establishing Notre Dame's offensive line as one of the best in college football. Earlier this month, he was also named to the Outland Trophy Watch List, which further underscores his prowess in the sport.
Under Knapp's protection, the Notre Dame offense boasted one of the nation's top rushing attacks during the 2025 season. The team finished tied for third nationally with an impressive average of 5.69 yards per carry, while also ranking fifth with 38 rushing touchdowns. Furthermore, the Irish averaged 203.4 rushing yards per game, placing them sixth among Power 4 programs. Notably, their 5.69 yards per carry average marked the second-highest in the program's history, and their 38 rushing touchdowns tied for the third-most in a single season.
Kyngstonn Viliamu-Asa, also recognized on multiple watch lists including the Nagurski Trophy and the Lott IMPACT Trophy, had a promising season last year despite facing injury challenges. He participated in 11 games, starting in two, and finished the season ranked fourth on the team with 48 total tackles. His defensive contributions included 7.5 tackles for loss, three sacks, an interception, two pass breakups, and five quarterback hurries. Viliamu-Asa's performance highlights his potential as a key player for the Fighting Irish moving forward.
As the 2026 college football season approaches, the recognition of both Knapp and Viliamu-Asa on the Lombardi Award Watch List not only reflects their individual talents but also emphasizes the strength of the Notre Dame football program. With a legacy of excellence and a commitment to developing top-tier athletes, the Fighting Irish look forward to another competitive season.
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