Wolverine Digest

Three Wolverines make the Lombardi Award Watch List

The award goes to the nation's most outstanding lineman
Trent Knoop|
Michigan defensive lineman Mason Graham looks to tackle Washington quarterback Michael Penix Jr. during the second half of U-M's 34-13 win in the College Football Playoff national championship game in Houston on Monday, Jan. 8, 2024.
Michigan defensive lineman Mason Graham looks to tackle Washington quarterback Michael Penix Jr. during the second half of U-M's 34-13 win in the College Football Playoff national championship game in Houston on Monday, Jan. 8, 2024. | Melanie Maxwell / USA TODAY NETWORK

On Thursday, the Lombardi Award Watch List was revealed and three Michigan football players saw their names on the list. Mason Graham, Kenneth Grant, and Colston Loveland are all in consideration for the prestigious award.

The Lombardi Award is handed to the nation's most outstanding lineman. However, it's not just offensive and defensive linemen on the watch list. There are also some linebackers and two tight ends -- one being Loveland.

There have been two Michigan players to win the award. Linebacker LaMarr Woodley won it in 2006 and defensive end Aidan Hutchinson was the most recent winner in 2021.

Graham and Grant make up the nation's most prominent interior defensive line duo. Graham is a preseason All-American and is viewed as one of the best players in the country. Grant isn't too far behind Graham but might be slightly overshadowed with Graham being on the team.

Loveland, also a junior, is just one of two tight ends on the award watch list. He comes back after being third on the team in receiving last season at Michigan. He will now look to be the focal point of the Wolverines' passing attack in 2024. Loveland is a Brock Bower type of tight end who is elite in the passing game but is also very good at putting his hand in the dirt when needed.

Here is some information about all three players via MGoBlue:

Colston Loveland:

• All-Big Ten selection (first team, coaches; second team, media, 2023)
• Offensive and Co-Special Teams Rookie of the Year (2022)
• Two-time letterman (2022-23)
• Has appeared in 29 games with 17 starts at tight end

Kenneth Grant:

• All-Big Ten selection (second team, coaches; third team, media, 2023)
• Two-time letterman (2022-23)
• Has appeared in 29 games along the defensive line (one, special teams only) with five starts

Mason Graham:

• All-American (second team, 2023)
• All-Big Ten selection (first team, coaches; third team, media, 2023)
• Tournament of Roses 2023 Rose Bowl Game Defensive MVP
• Academic All-Big Ten honoree (2023)• Shared Defensive Freshman of the Year honors (2022)
• Two-time letterman (2022-23)
• Has appeared in 27 games with 15 starts along the defensive line

- Enjoy more Michigan Wolverines coverage on Michigan Wolverines On SI -

More Michigan News:

Jake Butt says Michigan's Colston Loveland 'will be a first team All-American'

Kenneth Grant snubbed in preseason All-America teams

ESPN names three Michigan players on its preseason 2024 All-America team

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Trent Knoop
TRENT KNOOP

Trent began writing and covering Michigan athletics back in 2020. He became a credentialed member of the media in 2021. Trent began writing with Sports Illustrated in 2023 and became the Managing Editor for Michigan Wolverines On SI during the 2025 football season. Trent also serves as the Publisher of Baylor Bears on SI. His other bylines have appeared on Maryland on SI, Wisconsin on SI, and across the USA TODAY Sports network. Trent’s love of sports and being able to tell stories to fans is what made him get into writing.

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