.png&width=42&height=42&type=webp)
University of Minnesota Athletics
Players Mentioned
DL
/ Football
Smith on Watch List for Lombardi Award, Wuerffel Trophy
8/11/2026 11:00:00 AM | Football
The award honors players who lead through community service while excelling in the classroom and on the field
Minnesota defensive lineman Anthony Smith was named to the preseason watch list for the Lombardi Award and the Allstate Wuerffel Trophy today.
The Lombardi Award is presented to the nation's top lineman or linebacker, while the Wuerffel Trophy honors Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) players who lead through community service while excelling in the classroom and on the field.
Smith has been named a preseason All-American by numerous outlets after a 2025 season that saw him make 38 tackles, 17.5 tackles for loss, a Big Ten leading 12.5 sacks and three pass breakups. The league's coaches named him All-Big Ten First Team for his efforts.
Smith has been active in the community through team-initiated volunteer opportunities like the annual turkey drive and kids camp and he has also helped Girl Scouts sell cookies. He has also visited schools and spent time at Annunciation Catholic School last year, in the aftermath of an unimaginable tragedy. Smith also made a four-hour trip to a school in Austin, Minn., to surprise a class that wrote him persuasive letters to visit.
The Lombardi Award is presented to the nation's top lineman or linebacker, while the Wuerffel Trophy honors Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) players who lead through community service while excelling in the classroom and on the field.
Smith has been named a preseason All-American by numerous outlets after a 2025 season that saw him make 38 tackles, 17.5 tackles for loss, a Big Ten leading 12.5 sacks and three pass breakups. The league's coaches named him All-Big Ten First Team for his efforts.
Smith has been active in the community through team-initiated volunteer opportunities like the annual turkey drive and kids camp and he has also helped Girl Scouts sell cookies. He has also visited schools and spent time at Annunciation Catholic School last year, in the aftermath of an unimaginable tragedy. Smith also made a four-hour trip to a school in Austin, Minn., to surprise a class that wrote him persuasive letters to visit.
Monday, August 10
Friday, August 07
Friday, August 07
Monday, August 03