KALAMAZOO, Michigan – Redshirt senior center Western Michigan Jacob Gideon was included in the Lombardi Award Watch List 2024.

Gideon is one of only 90 student-athletes on the watch list, which represents the best of all FBS linemen and linebackers.

Established in 1970 in memory of legendary coach Vince Lombardi, the Lombardi Award is given to outstanding linemen who best embody the values ​​of leadership, courage, effort and discipline on and off the field. In addition, the list includes players who consistently demonstrate strength, agility and football skill at their respective positions.

This is the third watch list Gideon has earned a spot on, having previously been nominated for the Rimington Trophy as the nation’s best center and the Outland Trophy as the nation’s best interior lineman.

Gideon started all 12 games last season and has helped the Broncos produce 1,000-yard runners the past two seasons, and was rated the best center in the Mid-American Conference by Pro Football Focus the past two seasons.

Western Michigan opens the 2024 season on Friday, Aug. 30 at Wisconsin. Kickoff is scheduled for 9 p.m. ET on FS1 and the Bronco Media Network. WMU’s home opener is Saturday, Sept. 14 at 6:30 p.m. against Bethune-Cookman in the annual CommUniverCity Game. Tickets for all Bronco football games are available at www.wmubroncos.com/tickets.