University of Houston Athletics
Ed Oliver Named Outland Trophy Semifinalist
11/14/2018 3:21:00 PM | Football
Houston native became first underclassman to win the award in 2017
HOUSTON – The reigning Outland Trophy winner, Houston junior defensive tackle Ed Oliver has been named a semifinalist for the award this season, the Greater Omaha Sports Committee announced Wednesday.
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Oliver became the first underclassman winner in the history of the award, earning consensus All-America honors in 2017 as well.
Despite missing three games and facing constant double and triple teams this season, Oliver leads all defensive linemen nationally with 7.29 tackles per game. Oliver's 1.93 tackles for loss per game is third nationally while his career average of 1.64 tackles for loss per game leads all active players and ranks seventh all time on the NCAA charts.
Named the nation's top player by several national outlets entering 2018, Oliver has 51 tackles, including 13.5 tackles for loss and three sacks in seven games. Oliver leads Houston with nine quarterback hurries while also adding a pass breakup and a forced fumble that was returned for a Houston touchdown.
Oliver is one of eight semifinalists who will be pared down to three finalists next week and announced on Nov. 20. The recipient of the 73rd Outland Trophy will be announced during ESPN's The Home Depot College Football Awards on Dec. 6, live from the College Football Hall of Fame in Atlanta. The official presentation to the winner will be made at the Outland Trophy Awards Dinner produced by the Greater Omaha Sports Committee on Jan. 9, 2019.
