University of North Carolina Athletics
Lewis Named To Lombardi Award Midseason Watch List
October 14, 2026 | Football
CHAPEL HILL, N.C. - North Carolina sophomore defensive lineman Xavier Lewis has been named to the Lombardi Award Midseason Watch List, recognizing the nation's top college football linemen and linebackers, the organization announced Wednesday.
Lewis has emerged as a disruptive force on Carolina's defensive front this season, recording 9.5 tackles for loss and 6.5 sacks. His 1.90 tackles for loss per game rank second nationally and lead the ACC, while his 1.30 sacks per game rank fourth nationally and best in the conference.
Lewis delivered another standout performance in Carolina's 21-17 road victory over No. 25 Pitt on Oct. 10, recording a career-high 11 tackles and adding half a sack. The performance earned ACC Defensive Lineman of the Week honors for the second time this season.
The Rolesville, North Carolina, native has tallied 28 tackles this season with 14 solo stops and 14 assisted tackles.Â
The Lombardi Award recognizes the nation's top college football lineman or linebacker, honoring excellence, leadership and performance on the field. The watch list highlights 60 of the nation's top lineman and linebackers, who have distinguished themselves through their play during the season.
Celebrating its 53rd anniversary, the Lombardi Awardâ„¢ will once again be awarded at a ceremony in Houston, Texas, on December 9, 2026.Â
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Lewis has emerged as a disruptive force on Carolina's defensive front this season, recording 9.5 tackles for loss and 6.5 sacks. His 1.90 tackles for loss per game rank second nationally and lead the ACC, while his 1.30 sacks per game rank fourth nationally and best in the conference.
Lewis delivered another standout performance in Carolina's 21-17 road victory over No. 25 Pitt on Oct. 10, recording a career-high 11 tackles and adding half a sack. The performance earned ACC Defensive Lineman of the Week honors for the second time this season.
The Rolesville, North Carolina, native has tallied 28 tackles this season with 14 solo stops and 14 assisted tackles.Â
The Lombardi Award recognizes the nation's top college football lineman or linebacker, honoring excellence, leadership and performance on the field. The watch list highlights 60 of the nation's top lineman and linebackers, who have distinguished themselves through their play during the season.
Celebrating its 53rd anniversary, the Lombardi Awardâ„¢ will once again be awarded at a ceremony in Houston, Texas, on December 9, 2026.Â
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Players Mentioned
Defensive Line
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