WKU Football defensive tackle Hosea Wheeler has been named to the 2024 Lombardi Award Watch List, as announced by the Lombardi Award Committee this week. The prestigious award is given annually to a college football down lineman on offense or defense, or a linebacker, who best exemplifies the values and spirit of legendary NFL coach Vince Lombardi. Wheeler is one of five players from Conference USA to earn this recognition.
Hosea Wheeler’s 2023 Season Highlights:
- Position: Defensive Tackle
- Class: Redshirt Junior
- Accolades: All-CUSA Second Team
- Stats: Played in all 13 games with 11 starts, recording 42 total tackles, including three tackles for loss and two sacks. Wheeler also added a forced fumble, an interception, and a quarterback hurry to his impressive stat line.
- Preseason Recognition: Wheeler has already been named to the CUSA Preseason Watch List this summer.
Lombardi Award Timeline:
- Semifinalists Announcement: November 1
- Finalists Announcement: November 15
- Winner Announcement: December 11
2024 WKU Football Season Opener:
- First Game: WKU will kick off the 2024 season with a road game against Alabama on Saturday, August 31, at 6 p.m. CT.
- Home Opener: The Hilltoppers will host Eastern Kentucky on Saturday, September 7, at 6 p.m. CT.
- CUSA Opener: WKU will begin Conference USA play with a game at Middle Tennessee on Saturday, September 14, at 6 p.m. CT.
Hosea Wheeler’s inclusion on the Lombardi Award Watch List underscores his impact on the field and his embodiment of the qualities that the award seeks to honor. As WKU prepares for the 2024 season, Wheeler will be a key player to watch as the Hilltoppers aim for success in Conference USA and beyond.
