HOUSTON – Texas A&M defensive tackle DJ Hicks and defensive end Anto Saka were named to the Lombardi Award Preseason Watch List, the Rotary Club of Houston and Lombardi Award committee announced Tuesday.
Hicks, a senior from Katy, Texas, played in all 13 games in 2025, making two starts. He recorded 26 tackles, 6.5 tackles for loss, three sacks and one quarterback pressure. Hicks registered at least two tackles in seven games, including a season-high four tackles against Notre Dame, LSU and Miami. He enters his senior season with 56 career tackles, 11 tackles for loss, 5.5 sacks and two pass breakups in 37 games.
Saka enters his first season at Texas A&M after spending the previous three seasons at Northwestern. The Baltimore, Maryland, native started 11 games for the Wildcats in 2025, finishing the season with 13 tackles, four tackles for loss and three sacks while forcing two fumbles. His performance earned him All-Big Ten honorable mention recognition. Over his three-year collegiate career, Saka has totaled 41 tackles, 14 tackles for loss and 12 sacks in 33 games. He has recorded multiple tackles in 12 career games, including a career-best four stops against UCLA in 2025.
Texas A&M opens the 2026 season on Sept. 5 against Missouri State at Kyle Field. Kickoff is set for 6 p.m. and will air on ESPN.
About the Lombardi Award
Celebrating its 53rd anniversary, the Lombardi Award™ has been presented in Houston, Texas, since its establishment in 1970. The 2026 award dinner is scheduled for December 9, 2026, with net proceeds from gala sponsorships, table sales and surrounding events dedicated to supporting cancer research.
The Lombardi Award™ was established in 1970 by the Rotary Club of Houston in memory of legendary coach Vince Lombardi. It is presented to outstanding linemen and linebackers who best epitomize his values of leadership, courage, performance, and discipline on and off the field. Furthermore, the watch list includes players who are consistently showing the values of strength, agility, and football acumen in their respective positions.