University of Houston Athletics
Hurst Adds Lombardi Trophy Watch List Accolade
8/12/2026 8:00:00 AM | Football
Preseason All-American continues to pull in preseason awards with Lombardi Trophy nod
HOUSTON – Houston Football offensive guard Shadre Hurst was named to the Lombardi Trophy Watch List on Tuesday, named after the legendary coach Vince Lombardi.
Hurst was named to the Outland Trophy Preseason Watch List earlier this month, awarded to the top interior linemen in the country – offense or defense. Hurst reunites with head coach Willie Fritz and offensive line coach Eman Naghavi in Houston following their time together at Tulane where Hurst was an All-American and Freshman All-American while earning All-AAC honors in The American Conference.
Houston's Wilson Whitley, whose 78 number is retired at the University, won the trophy in 1976 which is awarded to the best linemen and tight ends in college football. Hurst is one of six Big 12 Conference players on the 2026 Watch List.
In 2025, Hurst was the top graded offensive lineman in the American Athletic Conference and the sixth highest graded guard in the country by PFF. At Tulane, Hurst helped Tulane to three conference titles (2022-23, 2025) and has allowed just one sack in four seasons.
Hurst was also named to Bruce Feldman's 2026 Freaks List who has improved his bench press from 450 pounds to 475 and his squat from 600 to 655 while at Houston.
SINGLE-GAME TICKETS
Don't miss any of the action. Purchase single-game tickets today by clicking here.
SEASON TICKETS
University of Houston Football season tickets are on sale for the 2026 season. For as low as $150, fans can get in on the excitement of Year 3 of the Head Coach Willie Fritz era with pivotal matchups against Oregon State, Southern, UCF, Oklahoma State, Cincinnati and Baylor as the Cougars look to improve on their 10-win season in 2025.
To purchase season tickets, click here. The online seat upgrade process will begin later this year.
SUPPORT YOUR COOGS
Fans can make a direct impact on the success of Houston Football by providing NIL opportunities and by joining The Huddle which provides financial support directly to Houston Football for needs beyond its operating budget.
STAY CONNECTED
Fans can receive updates by following @UHCougarFB on X, formerly known as Twitter, and catch up with the latest news and notes on the team by clicking LIKE on the team's Facebook page at Houston Cougar Football. Fans can also follow the team on Instagram at uhcougarfb.
Hurst was named to the Outland Trophy Preseason Watch List earlier this month, awarded to the top interior linemen in the country – offense or defense. Hurst reunites with head coach Willie Fritz and offensive line coach Eman Naghavi in Houston following their time together at Tulane where Hurst was an All-American and Freshman All-American while earning All-AAC honors in The American Conference.
Houston's Wilson Whitley, whose 78 number is retired at the University, won the trophy in 1976 which is awarded to the best linemen and tight ends in college football. Hurst is one of six Big 12 Conference players on the 2026 Watch List.
In 2025, Hurst was the top graded offensive lineman in the American Athletic Conference and the sixth highest graded guard in the country by PFF. At Tulane, Hurst helped Tulane to three conference titles (2022-23, 2025) and has allowed just one sack in four seasons.
Hurst was also named to Bruce Feldman's 2026 Freaks List who has improved his bench press from 450 pounds to 475 and his squat from 600 to 655 while at Houston.
SINGLE-GAME TICKETS
Don't miss any of the action. Purchase single-game tickets today by clicking here.
SEASON TICKETS
University of Houston Football season tickets are on sale for the 2026 season. For as low as $150, fans can get in on the excitement of Year 3 of the Head Coach Willie Fritz era with pivotal matchups against Oregon State, Southern, UCF, Oklahoma State, Cincinnati and Baylor as the Cougars look to improve on their 10-win season in 2025.
To purchase season tickets, click here. The online seat upgrade process will begin later this year.
SUPPORT YOUR COOGS
Fans can make a direct impact on the success of Houston Football by providing NIL opportunities and by joining The Huddle which provides financial support directly to Houston Football for needs beyond its operating budget.
STAY CONNECTED
Fans can receive updates by following @UHCougarFB on X, formerly known as Twitter, and catch up with the latest news and notes on the team by clicking LIKE on the team's Facebook page at Houston Cougar Football. Fans can also follow the team on Instagram at uhcougarfb.
–– UHCougars.com ––
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