Air Force Academy senior nose guard Payton Zdroik has been named to the 2025 Lombardi Award Midseason Watch List, according to an announcement by the award’s organizing committee.
The Lombardi Award Committee selected 65 players for the midseason list. The committee evaluated athletes based on their performances during the current season and their expected impact for the rest of the year. The watch list includes linemen and linebackers from all Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) conferences and independent programs.
Zdroik has made 12 tackles so far this season, including 1.5 tackles for a loss totaling eight yards. He is second on his team in quarterback hurries with four and leads with one forced fumble.
The Lombardi Award is presented each year to the top college offensive or defensive lineman in the country. The 2025 award ceremony will be held in Houston, Texas, on December 10.
Voting for eligible voters begins October 21, when ballots will be sent out via email. Voters will choose 12 semifinalists between October 21 and October 31, with semifinalists announced November 4. Finalist voting takes place November 6–14, followed by an announcement of four finalists on November 18. Voting for the winner runs from November 19 to December 3, ahead of the final announcement at the ceremony.
“Players from all FBS conferences and independents were considered, representing an elite group of athletes who embody the leadership, discipline, and excellence the Lombardi Award stands for,” stated the committee.
