Western Kentucky defensive tackle Hosea Wheeler has been named to the 2024 Lombardi Award Watch List, the Lombardi Award Committee announced this week.

The award is presented annually to a college football down lineman on offense or defense or a linebacker who best embodies the values and spirit of legendary NFL coach Vince Lombardi. Wheeler was one of five players from Conference USA recognized.

Wheeler, a redshirt junior, was named All-CUSA Second Team after playing in all 13 of WKU’s games in 2023 with 11 starts. The defensive tackle recorded 42 total tackles, including three for loss and two sacks, a forced fumble, an interception and a quarterback hurry. He has already been named to the CUSA Preseason Watch List this summer.

The Lombardi Award Committee will announce the semifinalists on Nov. 1, and the finalists will be revealed on Nov. 15. The winner will be recognized on Dec. 11.

WKU is scheduled to kick off the 2024 season with a 6 p.m. game at Alabama on Aug. 31.

The Hilltoppers will host Eastern Kentucky for their home opener on Sept. 7 at 6 p.m., and will open CUSA play the following week with a 6 p.m. CT game at Middle Tennessee on Sept. 14.