Lombardi Award Watch List… Mauigoa & Bain

Two Miami Hurricanes, Rueben Bain, Jr. and Francis Mauigoa have nominated to the 2025 Lombardi Award Watch List.

The Lombardi Award is presented annually to the nation’s top lineman or linebacker who demonstrates performance, leadership, character and resiliency. The Lombardi Award has been presented annually since 1970 and honors the legacy of NFL Hall of Fame Coach Vince Lombardi, recognizing players who best embody his values both on and off the field.

Mauigoa started all 13 games at right tackle in 2024, anchoring a Miami offensive line that powered the nation’s top-ranked offense in both points per game (43.9) and total yards per game (537.2). He helped the Hurricanes eclipse 500 yards of offense in eight games, including a season-high 750-yard outburst against Ball State. A consistent presence up front, he earned second-team All-ACC honors following the 2024 season. Mauigoa is one of 11 offensive tackles to earn a spot on the Lombardi Award Watch List in 2025.

Bain served as one of Miami’s top defensive performers for a second consecutive season in 2024, despite missing four games due to injury. The junior defensive end tallied 23 tackles, 5.5 tackles for loss, and 3.5 sacks across nine starts.

Nine Miami players have been nominated 2025 Preseason Watch Lists.

2025 PRESEASON WATCH LIST HONOREES:

Patrick Mannelly Award… Adam Booker

Walter Camp Player of the Year… Carson Beck

Maxwell Award… Carson Beck

Bronko Nagurski Trophy… Rueben Bain Jr.

Chuck Bednarik Award… Rueben Bain Jr., OJ Frederique Jr.

Lombardi Award… Rueben Bain Jr., Francis Mauigoa

Outland Trophy… Anez Cooper, Francis Mauigoa

Wuerffel Trophy… Francis Mauigoa

Butkus Award… Wesley Bissainthe

Rimington Trophy… James Brockermeyer

Paul Horning Award… Keelan Marion

Congratulations, Canes!