Indiana University Athletics
11/4/2026 11:00:00 AM | Football
BLOOMINGTON, Ind. – Fifth-year defensive lineman Tobi Osunsanmi has been named one of 12 semifinalists for the Lombardi Award after one of the most productive starts to a season by an Indiana defender in program history.
The Wichita, Kansas, native owns 34 tackles on the season with 15.5 tackles for loss and 10.0 sacks. He has also forced one fumble and blocked a punt. His 10.0 sacks on the season rank tied for No. 5 on the single season charts and is just 1.0 sack shy of the No. 3 spot. He is just 1.5 tackles for loss away from joining the single-season top-10, as well.
With a tackle for loss in each of the first nine games of the season, Osunsanmi's streak sits tied for No. 4 on the school's single-season list and his streak of eight straight games with a sack is the longest in program history.
Selected from the Committee's 64-player midseason watchlist, these semifinalists represent programs across the SEC, Big Ten and Big 12 and have distinguished themselves through their leadership, strength, and impact on and off the field.
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 December 9, 2026, with proceeds from gala sponsorships and table/ticket sales benefiting cancer research and supporting families and patients affected by the disease.
The Lombardi Award™ honors coach Vince Lombardi and represents more than the distinction involved; it honors players who best exemplify Lombardi's enduring principles of leadership, courage, and discipline. The 2026 semifinalists have stood out for their exceptional ability in their positions, perseverance, and impact on their teams, continuing a legacy that inspires future generations of athletes.
The Wichita, Kansas, native owns 34 tackles on the season with 15.5 tackles for loss and 10.0 sacks. He has also forced one fumble and blocked a punt. His 10.0 sacks on the season rank tied for No. 5 on the single season charts and is just 1.0 sack shy of the No. 3 spot. He is just 1.5 tackles for loss away from joining the single-season top-10, as well.
With a tackle for loss in each of the first nine games of the season, Osunsanmi's streak sits tied for No. 4 on the school's single-season list and his streak of eight straight games with a sack is the longest in program history.
Selected from the Committee's 64-player midseason watchlist, these semifinalists represent programs across the SEC, Big Ten and Big 12 and have distinguished themselves through their leadership, strength, and impact on and off the field.
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 December 9, 2026, with proceeds from gala sponsorships and table/ticket sales benefiting cancer research and supporting families and patients affected by the disease.
The Lombardi Award™ honors coach Vince Lombardi and represents more than the distinction involved; it honors players who best exemplify Lombardi's enduring principles of leadership, courage, and discipline. The 2026 semifinalists have stood out for their exceptional ability in their positions, perseverance, and impact on their teams, continuing a legacy that inspires future generations of athletes.
Players Mentioned
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