KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – Tennessee’s Xavier Gilliam has earned the distinction of being named one of 12 semifinalists for the 2026 Lombardi Award, which is presented annually to college football’s top lineman or linebacker who embodies the discipline, character and excellence of legendary coach Vince Lombardi.
In his first year with the Vols, Gilliam has put together a breakout season and emerged as one of the country’s most dominant defensive players.
The junior defensive lineman is the seventh player in program history, and third during head coach Josh Heupel‘s tenure at UT, to earn Lombardi Award semifinalist status. Gilliam joins other Heupel-era standouts in offensive tackle Darnell Wright (2022) and defensive end James Pearce Jr. (2024) as semifinalists and will look to become part of an exclusive group of Tennessee finalists that is made up of just Chip Kell (1970) and Reggie White (1983).
Through eight games this year, Gilliam leads the Vols, ranks third in the SEC and is tied for 11th in the country with 11.5 tackles for loss. He is also tied for fifth in the conference and tied for 18th nationally with six sacks.
Gilliam’s 86.2 overall defensive grade from PFF is the fourth best among all interior defensive linemen in the FBS (min. 200 snaps) while his 28 total pressures lead the SEC and rank sixth nationally among interior defensive linemen.
The Montgomery Village, Maryland, native, was recently named a first-team Midseason All-American by multiple outlets and was added to the Bednarik Award watch list, as well.
Now in its 53rd year, the Lombardi Award™ has been presented annually in Houston, Texas, since its inception in 1970. This year’s award ceremony will take place on Dec. 9, 2026, with proceeds from gala sponsorships and table and ticket sales benefiting cancer research and supporting families and patients affected by the disease.
The Lombardi Award™ represents more than the distinction involved; it honors players who best exemplify Lombardi’s enduring principles of leadership, courage and discipline.
