University of Delaware Athletics
Photo by: Mikey Reeves
Football’s Demboski Named to 2026 Lombardi Award Preseason Watchlist
8/11/2026 11:30:00 AM | Football
HOUSTON – University of Delaware football OL Steven Demboski has been named to the 2026 Lombardi Award Preseason Watchlist, the Rotary Club of Houston and Lombardi Award Committee announced Tuesday. Demboski is the first player in program history to make the Lombardi Award Watchlist.
The Lombardi Award was established in 1970 by the Rotary Club of Houston in memory of legendary coach Vince Lombardi. It is presented to outstanding linemen and linebackers who best epitomize his values of leadership, courage, performance, and discipline on and off the field. Furthermore, the watchlist includes players who are consistently showing the values of strength, agility, and football acumen in their respective positions.
This preseason, the fifth-year center has been named to the Rimington Trophy Watchlist, Outland Trophy Watchlist, CUSA Watchlist, Shriners Children 1000 Watchlist, Athlon Sports All-CUSA First Team, Phil Steele All-CUSA First Team, Pro Football Network All-CUSA First Team, and an Allstate AFCA Good Works Team Nominee.
Demboski, a 2025 Second Team All-CUSA selection, played and started in 11 games at center last season. According to PFF, he did not allow a sack all season in his first year as the full-time starter. He was named the CUSA Offensive Lineman of the Week after UConn after making his season debut in the 44-41 OT win after missing the first two games due to injury. Under his leadership, the Delaware rushing attack had its best game on the ground, accounting for five rushing touchdowns and 247 rushing yards for an average of 5.5 yards per attempt in the team's first-FBS home win.
TICKET INFORMATION
Get your 2026 Delaware football season tickets now by visiting bluehens.com/fbtickets.
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The Lombardi Award was established in 1970 by the Rotary Club of Houston in memory of legendary coach Vince Lombardi. It is presented to outstanding linemen and linebackers who best epitomize his values of leadership, courage, performance, and discipline on and off the field. Furthermore, the watchlist includes players who are consistently showing the values of strength, agility, and football acumen in their respective positions.
This preseason, the fifth-year center has been named to the Rimington Trophy Watchlist, Outland Trophy Watchlist, CUSA Watchlist, Shriners Children 1000 Watchlist, Athlon Sports All-CUSA First Team, Phil Steele All-CUSA First Team, Pro Football Network All-CUSA First Team, and an Allstate AFCA Good Works Team Nominee.
Demboski, a 2025 Second Team All-CUSA selection, played and started in 11 games at center last season. According to PFF, he did not allow a sack all season in his first year as the full-time starter. He was named the CUSA Offensive Lineman of the Week after UConn after making his season debut in the 44-41 OT win after missing the first two games due to injury. Under his leadership, the Delaware rushing attack had its best game on the ground, accounting for five rushing touchdowns and 247 rushing yards for an average of 5.5 yards per attempt in the team's first-FBS home win.
TICKET INFORMATION
Get your 2026 Delaware football season tickets now by visiting bluehens.com/fbtickets.
FOLLOW ON SOCIAL
For the latest on Delaware football, follow the Fightin' Blue Hens on X, Instagram, and like on Facebook.
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