Five former Notre Dame players have won the Lombardi Award including defensive end Walt Patulski in 1971, defensive end Ross Browner in 1977, defensive tackle Chris Zorich in 1990, offensive lineman Aaron Taylor in 1993 and linebacker Manti Te'o in 2012. Their most recent finalist was left tackle Joe Alt in 2023.

Ole Miss football junior linebacker Suntarine Perkins has been named to the preseason watch list for the Lombardi Award, as announced by the Lombardi

University of Pittsburgh Linebacker Kyle Louis has been named to the preseason watchlist for the 2025 Lombardi Award, which honors college football players who embody the values of legendary coach Vince Lombardi.