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2025 Preseason Herbie Awards: Kendel Dolby named best throwback player

Grant Grubbs Profile Pictureby: Grant Grubbs08/23/25grant_grubbs_
Kendel Dolby, Oklahoma
Kendel Dolby, Oklahoma - © BRYAN TERRY/THE OKLAHOMAN / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

On Friday, ESPN analyst Kirk Herbstreit hosted his annual preseason Herbie Awards show. During the hour-long program, Herbstreit named Oklahoma defensive back Kendel Dolby his pick for the “Throwback Player” category.

“I’m just a huge fan of this position,” Herbstreit said. “Guys that are asked to play that nickel or that STAR, they call it a cheetah, because you have to do everything. You’ve got to blitz, you got to be in run support, you got to play man, you got to do it all.

“This guy brings an intensity that I think is way beyond what he can do just being on the field. So, fingers are crossed. I hope he’s healthy, hope he’s able to come back and play the way he did last year because I know Brent Venables and this defense really needs that leadership if they’re going to have the kind of run they hope to have.”

Disaster struck early in the 2024 campaign for Dolby. The standout DB appeared poised for a fantastic season, starting in all three of his appearances. Then, on Sept. 21, Dolby suffered a season-ending broken ankle injury in Oklahoma’s 25-16 loss to Tennessee.

In his limited time on the field, Dolby recorded 10 tackles, a sack and a pass breakup. Dolby transferred to Oklahoma ahead of the 2023 season after spending two seasons at the JUCO level. Now entering his fifth collegiate season, Dolby is ready to have a bounce-back year.

“Dolby’s been a leader in our room since day one,” OU cornerbacks coach Jay Valai said. “He’s come a long way from just getting here and being out of shape to being basically the heart and soul of our defense. He’s one of the most passionate human beings I’ve been around in my life. Everything I’ve got, I’ll put it on him.

“When he broke his ankle last year, he was ready to go play the next game. A guy like that, who has leadership qualities he has and the mindset he has, you put him with the other guys, it’s going to be special getting him back out there.”

It won’t be long before Kendel Dolby will have a chance to make Kirk Herbstreit proud. On Aug. 30, Oklahoma will jumpstart its 2025 campaign with a showdown against Illinois State at 6 p.m. ET. The game will air live on ESPN+.