Notre Dame OL Anthonie Knapp, LB Kyngstonn Viliamu-Asa Named to Lombardi Award Watch List

Notre Dame offensive lineman Anthonie Knapp and linebacker Kynston Viliamu-Asa have been named to the Lombardi Award Watch List. The Lombardi Award recognizes outstanding linemen and linebackers who embody leadership, courage, performance, and discipline both on and off the field. Notre Dame has produced five Lombardi Award winners - Walt Patulski (1971), Ross Browner (1977), Chris Zorich (1990), Aaron Taylor (1993), and Manti Te'o (2012).

Knapp, who started all 12 games at left tackle last year and 29 in total over the past two seasons, was also named to the Outland Trophy Watch List recently. He led the Irish's offensive line, which powered one of the nation's premier rushing attacks in 2025. The team's 5.69 yards per carry was tied for third nationally, while their 38 rushing touchdowns matched the third-most in a single season at Notre Dame.

Viliamu-Asa, a native of the Inland Empire, California, played in 11 games last year, starting two before a season-ending injury. He finished fourth on the team with 48.0 total tackles, including 7.5 tackles for loss, three sacks, an interception, two pass breakups, and five quarterback hurries. Viliamu-Asa is also a member of the Nagurski Trophy Watch List and the Lott IMPACT Trophy Watch List.