The University of Texas at Austin Athletics
No. 5/5/5 Football’s Banks named Lombardi Award semifinalist
11.07.2024 | Football
The junior left tackle was selected as a semifinalist for the 2024 Lombardi Award, honoring the most outstanding college football lineman.
AUSTIN, Texas – Texas Football left tackle Kelvin Banks Jr. was selected as one of 12 semifinalists for the Lombardi Award, the Rotary Club of Houston announced Thursday. The Lombardi Award honors the most outstanding college football lineman who displays exceptional performance and ability while embodying the character and discipline that Vince Lombardi championed throughout his life.
Three Longhorns have won the Lombardi Award, most recently Brian Orakpo in 2008. Tony Degrate won the award in 1984, while Kenneth Sims took it home in 1981. Nine other Longhorns have been finalists for the award, including Justin Blalock (2006), Rodrique Wright (2005), Derrick Johnson (2004), Cory Redding (2002), Doug Dawson (1983), Steve McMichael (1979), Brad Shearer (1977), Bill Wyman (1973) and Jerry Sisemore (1972).
Banks is a third-year offensive lineman who has played in and started in 35 games with the Longhorns. The Humble, Texas, native anchors an offensive line that was selected to the Joe Moore Award midseason honor roll. Banks has brought in multiple national honors this season, including the Outland Trophy's National Player of the Week on Oct. 15 and SEC Offensive Lineman of the Week on Sept. 30 and Oct. 14. Prior to the season, Banks was named preseason First-Team All-America by the Associated Press, CBS Sports, ESPN, Sporting News and The Athletic in addition to being honored on the preseason First-Team All-SEC by the media and league's coaches. He was also recognized on the Outland Trophy and Lombardi Award preseason watch lists.
With Banks' blocking, UT's offense has been among the nation's best in several statistical categories. Texas ranks 10th nationally in completion percentage (68.7 percent), 12th in team passing efficiency (161.5), 13th in passing offense (294.8 ypg), 16th in scoring offense (37.6 ppg) and 16th in total offense (453.1 ypg). Texas quarterbacks have excelled behind Banks with Quinn Ewers being honored as a Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award Top 10 Finalist and landing on the Davey O'Brien QB Class of 2024.
2024 marks the 51st anniversary of the award which has been handed out in Houston since its inception. This year's award dinner will take place on Dec. 11 and net proceeds from gala sponsorship and table sales are dedicated to supporting cancer research and families and patients battling cancer.
Banks and No. 5/5 Texas host the Florida Gators at 11 a.m. CT Saturday, Nov. 9, inside Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium. The game will broadcast on ABC with Joe Tessitore (play-by-play), Jesse Palmer (analyst) and Katie George (sideline) on the call.
