Payton Zdroik named to the Lombardi Award Preseason Watchlist
8/12/2025 9:53:00 AM | Football
Senior noseguard Payton Zdroik has been named to the Lombardi Award Preseason Watchlist, the organization announced.
Celebrating its 52nd anniversary, the Lombardi Award™ has been presented in Houston, Texas since its establishment in 1970. The 2025 award dinner is scheduled for December 10, 2025, with net proceeds from gala sponsorship and table sales dedicated to supporting cancer research.
The Lombardi Award™ was established in 1970, in memory of legendary coach Vince Lombardi. It is presented to outstanding linemen 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.
The 2025 watchlist reflects a balanced distribution across eligible positions: 10 defensive ends, 7 defensive tackles, and 12 linebackers on defense; and 11 offensive tackles, 6 offensive guards, 5 offensive centers, and 3 tight ends on offense. This talented cohort showcases strong representation from the nation's top conferences, with 16 players from the SEC, 12 from the Big Ten, 5 from the Big 12, and 7 from the ACC, complemented by exceptional talent from the Mountain West, MAC, Conference USA, Sun Belt, and Independent Conferences.
As the 2025 season unfolds, this dynamic watchlist may evolve with the potential to add breakout performers at mid-season. These student-athletes not only compete for the Lombardi Award™ distinction on the gridiron but also inspire future generations, carrying forward the legacy of a coaching icon through their dedication and perseverance on the gridiron.
Zdroik has anchored the defensive line the last three seasons. He recorded 18 total tackles and ranked second on the team in tackles for loss with 6.5 and sacks with 3.0 last season. He leads all active Falcons in career tackles for loss with 23.0 and sacks with 13.0. He is tied for 10th in AF history in career sacks and had recorded a stop behind the line of scrimmage in 19 of his 30 career games.
Air Force opens the 2025 season Saturday, Aug. 30, vs. Bucknell at 1:30 p.m. in Falcon Stadium. To purchase or renew Air Force football season tickets, please visit www.aftickets.com or call 719-472-1895.
For information on premium seating, including the East Club presented by L3Harris at the Kucera Legacy Center and the Blue & Silver Club, please click HERE or call the Falcon Athletic Fund at 719-333-4545 to purchase.
Celebrating its 52nd anniversary, the Lombardi Award™ has been presented in Houston, Texas since its establishment in 1970. The 2025 award dinner is scheduled for December 10, 2025, with net proceeds from gala sponsorship and table sales dedicated to supporting cancer research.
The Lombardi Award™ was established in 1970, in memory of legendary coach Vince Lombardi. It is presented to outstanding linemen 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.
The 2025 watchlist reflects a balanced distribution across eligible positions: 10 defensive ends, 7 defensive tackles, and 12 linebackers on defense; and 11 offensive tackles, 6 offensive guards, 5 offensive centers, and 3 tight ends on offense. This talented cohort showcases strong representation from the nation's top conferences, with 16 players from the SEC, 12 from the Big Ten, 5 from the Big 12, and 7 from the ACC, complemented by exceptional talent from the Mountain West, MAC, Conference USA, Sun Belt, and Independent Conferences.
As the 2025 season unfolds, this dynamic watchlist may evolve with the potential to add breakout performers at mid-season. These student-athletes not only compete for the Lombardi Award™ distinction on the gridiron but also inspire future generations, carrying forward the legacy of a coaching icon through their dedication and perseverance on the gridiron.
Zdroik has anchored the defensive line the last three seasons. He recorded 18 total tackles and ranked second on the team in tackles for loss with 6.5 and sacks with 3.0 last season. He leads all active Falcons in career tackles for loss with 23.0 and sacks with 13.0. He is tied for 10th in AF history in career sacks and had recorded a stop behind the line of scrimmage in 19 of his 30 career games.
Air Force opens the 2025 season Saturday, Aug. 30, vs. Bucknell at 1:30 p.m. in Falcon Stadium. To purchase or renew Air Force football season tickets, please visit www.aftickets.com or call 719-472-1895.
For information on premium seating, including the East Club presented by L3Harris at the Kucera Legacy Center and the Blue & Silver Club, please click HERE or call the Falcon Athletic Fund at 719-333-4545 to purchase.
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