Ole Miss defensive tackle Will Echoles has been announced as a semifinalist for the Lombardi Award.
The award’s committee announced its field of 12 candidates competing to be named the most outstanding lineman or linebacker in college football. Named after the legendary five-time NFL champion and two-time Super Bowl-winning coach Vince Lombardi, the award also highlights the player who demonstrates the best discipline on the field.
Echoles, a Mississippi native, has been a force in the interior for the Rebels all season. The former Houston High School standout has started in all of the team’s eight games so far this season and has recorded 21 total tackles, including 4 tackles for loss, 1.5 sacks, 2 pass breakups, and 3 quarterback hurries.
He recently contributed to the offensive side of the ball for Ole Miss, scoring a touchdown at the goal line in his first collegiate rush attempt to help the Rebels defeat Auburn 45-15.
IN HIS BAG 💰
@echoles_william x #HottyToddy https://t.co/s9FiJhdOdX
— Ole Miss Football (@OleMissFB) October 31, 2026
“It was fun. We’ve been practicing that play for a long time,” Echoles said, noting that some of his defensive teammates scored touchdowns before him. “[Jamarious Brown] got one. He scored on his play. [Kam Franklin] got a touchdown on defense. [Suntarine Perkins] got a touchdown on defense. I was the last one left, honestly, to get a touchdown.”
Other notable semifinalists include former Ole Miss and now-LSU defensive end Princewill Umanmielen, Texas edge rusher Colin Simmons, Georgia center Drew Bobo, and Kentucky offensive tackle Lance Heard.
The 53rd annual Lombardi Award will be presented on Dec. 9.
