Four Clemson football starters named to preseason watch list for 2025 Lombardi Award
Defensive linemen T.J. Parker and Peter Woods were named to the preseason Lombardi Award watch list, as were linebacker Sammy Brown and offensive tackle Blake Miller.
The Lombardi Award annually recognizes the nation's best down lineman on either offense or defense "who best embodies the character, discipline, and excellence of NFL Hall of Fame head coach Vince Lombardi, while also demonstrating outstanding performance and ability on the field."
Clemson tied the Alabama Crimson Tide and Texas Longhorns for programs with the most players named to the 2025 Lombardi watch list.
It's the latest in a string of preseason accolades for the four Tigers. Woods was named to the Walter Camp Player of the Year watch list, as was senior quarterback Cade Klubnik. The 6-foot-3, 315-pound defensive tackle was also named to the preseason watch lists for the Nagurski Trophy, Bednarik Award and Outland Trophy.
Woods enters his junior season after playing in 11 games (10 starts) a year ago. He had 28 tackles, 8.5 tackles for loss, three sacks and a forced fumble as a sophomore. In two seasons at Clemson, Woods has recorded 54 tackles (31 solo), 11 tackles for loss and two forced fumbles over 23 games.
Parker, the Tigers' 6-foot-3, 265-pound edge rusher, started all 14 games last season and has played in all 27 games since his freshman season in 2023. He had 57 tackles (35 solo) and had 11 sacks, 19.5 tackles for loss, and six forced fumbles to go with two fumble recoveries in 2024. Parker was also named to the Nagurski Trophy and and Bednarik Award watch lists.
Brown, a 6-foot-2, 235-pound linebacker, is coming off a true freshman season in which he played in 12 games (six starts) and made 80 tackles with 11.5 tackles for loss and five sacks. He was previously named to the preseason Butkus Award watch list along with senior Wade Woodaz.
Miller is set to enter his fourth season as an anchor of the offensive line and was previously named to the Outland Trophy watch list. The 6-foot-6, 315-pound lineman has started all 41 games for the Tigers at right tackle since his freshman season in 2022.
Clemson football players on 2025 preseason award watch lists
Here's an updated look at Clemson players named to various preseason watch lists ahead of 2025.
Clemson football schedule 2025
Clemson opens the 2025 season against the LSU Tigers at Memorial Stadium in primetime on Aug. 30. Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m. ET. The game will be televised on ABC. Clemson is ranked No. 6 in the preseason US LBM Coaches Poll and No. 4 in the preseason AP poll. LSU is ranked No. 9 in both polls.
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