University of Minnesota Athletics
Greg Johnson, Anthony Smith on Midseason Watchlist for Lombardi Award
10/14/2026 10:38:00 AM | Football
The Gophers are two of 60 players recognized
The Rotary Club of Houston and Lombardi Award Committee announced the 2026 Midseason Watchlist featuring 60 of the nation's top linemen and linebackers today.
Minnesota's offensive lineman Greg Johnson and defensive lineman Anthony Smith were both on the list.
The players selected were evaluated based on their performances during the 2026 season to date, as well as their potential impact through the remainder of the campaign.
Johnson is one of the most versatile offensive lineman in the nation. He started the first three games at guard before shifting to center when starting center Ashton Beers suffered a season-ending injury.
According to Pro Football Focus (PFF), Johnson has allowed only one pressure this season in 202 opportunities. His 80.3 grade from PFF ranks 16th in the nation and sixth in the Big Ten, while his run-blocking grade of 81.1 is 13th nationally and second in the Big Ten.
Johnson has played all five positions on the offensive line during his career and has started games at left tackle, left guard, center and right tackle.
Smith is one of the most disruptive players in college football. He has 13 tackles this year, which includes 1.5 sacks and three tackles for loss, while often being double-teamed. He has also broken up two passes. For his career, he has 94 tackles, 34 tackles for loss and 21 sacks.
The Lombardi Award is presented annually to the nation's best college offensive or defensive lineman. It will be awarded at a ceremony in Houston, Texas, on December 9.
It is presented to outstanding linemen and linebackers 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.
Minnesota's offensive lineman Greg Johnson and defensive lineman Anthony Smith were both on the list.
The players selected were evaluated based on their performances during the 2026 season to date, as well as their potential impact through the remainder of the campaign.
Johnson is one of the most versatile offensive lineman in the nation. He started the first three games at guard before shifting to center when starting center Ashton Beers suffered a season-ending injury.
According to Pro Football Focus (PFF), Johnson has allowed only one pressure this season in 202 opportunities. His 80.3 grade from PFF ranks 16th in the nation and sixth in the Big Ten, while his run-blocking grade of 81.1 is 13th nationally and second in the Big Ten.
Johnson has played all five positions on the offensive line during his career and has started games at left tackle, left guard, center and right tackle.
Smith is one of the most disruptive players in college football. He has 13 tackles this year, which includes 1.5 sacks and three tackles for loss, while often being double-teamed. He has also broken up two passes. For his career, he has 94 tackles, 34 tackles for loss and 21 sacks.
The Lombardi Award is presented annually to the nation's best college offensive or defensive lineman. It will be awarded at a ceremony in Houston, Texas, on December 9.
It is presented to outstanding linemen and linebackers 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.
Players Mentioned
Saturday, October 10
Saturday, October 10
Thursday, October 08
Wednesday, October 07