Indiana University Athletics
Hoosier Duo Tabbed to Watch List for Lombardi Award
8/12/2025 2:15:00 PM | Football
BLOOMINGTON, Ind. – Representing the represents the finest talent from all FBS conferences and independents, the Lombardi Award has named Aiden Fisher and Mikail Kamara to its preseason watch list. It is the third preseason player of the year list the duo finds themselves on, as they are also a part of the Nagurski and Bednarik preseason lists.
Celebrating its 52nd anniversary, the Lombardi Award™ has been presented in Houston, Texas, since its establishment in 1970. The 2025 award dinner is scheduled for December 10, 2025, with net proceeds from gala sponsorships and table sales dedicated to supporting cancer research.
The first-ever first-team All-America pick at linebacker in program history in 2024, Fisher is back after his 118-tackle season that ranks No. 16 on the single season charts. The first-team All-Big Ten pick last season anchored a defense that led the nation in rushing defense. Along with his 118 stops, he added 5.5 tackles for loss, 1.5 sacks and four pass breakups.
A 2024 finalist for the Lott IMPACT Trophy and semifinalist for the Bednarik Award last season, Kamara was a second-team All-America pick by The Athletic and first Indiana defensive lineman since Greg Middleton (first team) in 2007 to earn All-America status. The first-team All-Big Ten selection led the FBS in total pressures (73) and graded as the No. 4 edge rusher in the Big Ten and No. 15 in Power 4 (86.7) per Pro Football Focus a season ago.
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. Furthermore, the watchlist includes players who are consistently showing the values of strength, agility, and football acumen in their respective positions.
Celebrating its 52nd anniversary, the Lombardi Award™ has been presented in Houston, Texas, since its establishment in 1970. The 2025 award dinner is scheduled for December 10, 2025, with net proceeds from gala sponsorships and table sales dedicated to supporting cancer research.
The first-ever first-team All-America pick at linebacker in program history in 2024, Fisher is back after his 118-tackle season that ranks No. 16 on the single season charts. The first-team All-Big Ten pick last season anchored a defense that led the nation in rushing defense. Along with his 118 stops, he added 5.5 tackles for loss, 1.5 sacks and four pass breakups.
A 2024 finalist for the Lott IMPACT Trophy and semifinalist for the Bednarik Award last season, Kamara was a second-team All-America pick by The Athletic and first Indiana defensive lineman since Greg Middleton (first team) in 2007 to earn All-America status. The first-team All-Big Ten selection led the FBS in total pressures (73) and graded as the No. 4 edge rusher in the Big Ten and No. 15 in Power 4 (86.7) per Pro Football Focus a season ago.
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. Furthermore, the watchlist includes players who are consistently showing the values of strength, agility, and football acumen in their respective positions.
Players Mentioned
LB
/ Football
DL
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Tuesday, October 21
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FB: Curt Cignetti Media Availability (10/20/25)
Monday, October 20