Bowling Green State University 6-foot-7, 305-pound senior offensive tackle Alex Wollschlaeger (50) pass blocks for the Falcons’ offense. (BGSU Athletics)
Bowling Green starting right tackle Alex Wollschlaeger has been named to the preseason Lombardi Award Watch List, as announced by The Lombardi Award Committee.
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 watch list includes players who are consistently showing the values of strength, agility, and football acumen in their respective positions. This year’s watch list includes 90 of the nation’s top linemen and linebackers.
Wollschlaeger (Aurora, Ill.) was an All-Mid-American Conference honoree in 2023 after helping block for All-MAC running back Terion Stewart.
Despite missing four games with injury, Stewart finished the year No. 4 in the nation with 78 broken tackles, tied for No. 25 in the nation with 6.1 yards per rush and his 4.81 yards per rush after contact ranked No. 2 in the nation among those with at least 100 rushing attempts. Wollschlaeger is also on the Outland Trophy Watch List.
Wollschlaeger is one of five MAC players named to the list. He joins Akron’s CJ Nunnally IV, Reid Holskey and Matt Salopek from Miami and Western Michigan’s Jacob Gideon.
This marks the 51st anniversary of the award which has been handed out in Houston, Texas since its inception. The 2024 award dinner will take place on Dec., 11, 2024 and net proceeds from gala sponsorship and table sales are dedicated to supporting cancer research and families and patients battling cancer.
The watch list showcases a balanced distribution across eligible positions: 18 defensive tackles, 17 defensive ends, and 19 linebackers on defense; and 18 offensive tackles, 10 offensive guards, six offensive centers, and two tight ends on offense.
This diverse group hails from the nation’s top conferences: the SEC with 19 players, Big Ten with 18 players, and Big 12 with 13, and has strong representation from the ACC, American Athletic, Conference USA, Sun Belt, Pac-12, Mountain West, MAC, and Independent teams.
As the 2024 season gets underway, not only will this group of student-athletes be on watch, this list is also dynamic. One or more breakout performers may emerge during the year. And that player or players can be added to the watch list at mid-season.
“The Lombardi Award represents much more than the distinction involved. It memorializes the perspiration, dedication, and perseverance of these exceptional athletes. As they compete on the gridiron, they inspire future generations of football players and continue the legacy of a coaching icon,” states a BGSU Athletics press release.
