HOUSTON — On Wednesday night, Kelvin Banks Jr., an offensive lineman for the Texas Longhorns, was honored with the Lombardi Award, recognizing him as the top college lineman in the nation.

In a competitive field, Banks surpassed notable contenders including LSU’s Will Campbell, Abdul Carter from Penn State, and South Carolina’s Kyle Kennard to receive this prestigious award presented in Houston.

With this achievement, Banks becomes the fourth player from the University of Texas to earn the Lombardi Award, joining the ranks of Kenneth Sims, Tony Degrate, and Brian Orakpo, who won in previous years.

Throughout his collegiate career, Banks has demonstrated exceptional skill on the field, starting in 37 games at left tackle over three seasons, during which he has allowed only three sacks. His strong performance has contributed significantly to the Longhorns reaching the College Football Playoff this year.

Reflecting on his win, Banks expressed his emotions, stating, “The main thing I was thinking was definitely please call my name.” He also shared his admiration for his fellow nominees, emphasizing the camaraderie among the group: “If the other guys would have won, I would have been just as happy for them. I feel like we are a great group of guys who came today.”

The Lombardi Award, established in 1970 and awarded annually by the Rotary Club of Houston, continues to honor the best in college football linemen, celebrating outstanding talent and dedication at the collegiate level.