HOUSTON — BYU linebacker Cade Uluave was today named one of 12 semifinalist for the 2026 Lombardi Award, presented annually by the Rotary Club of Houston to the nation’s top lineman or linebacker who best exemplifies the character, discipline and leadership of legendary coach Vince Lombardi.
Selected from the 64-player midseason watchlist, the semifinalists represent programs across the Big 12, Big Ten and SEC and have distinguished themselves through their leadership, strength, and impact on and off the field.
Uluave, a 6-foot-1, 235-pound senior from South Jordan, Utah, leads No. 7 ranked BYU in tackles with 52 and quarterback hurries with six. He has also recorded an interception, 4.5 tackles for loss and one and a half sacks this season.
In BYU’s 28-24 win over No. 2 ranked Notre Dame on Nov. 17, Uluave recorded a team-high nine tackles, including six solo, on his way to being named Big 12 Defensive Player of the Week.
Uluave was recently named one of 15 semifinalists for the Butkus Award, presented annually to the nation’s outstanding collegiate linebacker. Prior to the 2026 season, Uluave was selected as a candidate for the Lombardi Award, Butkus Award and Lott IMPACT Trophy. He was also named preseason All-America by Phil Steele and Athlon Sports as well as Preseason All-Big 12 by the conference, Phil Steele and Athlon Sports.
Established by the Rotary Club of Houston in 1970, just weeks after Coach Vince Lombardi's passing, the award celebrates athletes who exemplify his legacy of character, discipline and excellence, while fueling the fight against cancer. Finalists for the 2026 Lombardi Award will be announced on Nov. 18, with the winner named on Dec. 9 at the Lombardi Award dinner at the Hilton Americas–Houston.