Notre Dame OT Joe Alt named finalist for Lombardi Award

According to at least one group of voters, Notre Dame offensive tackle Joe Alt is the best offensive lineman in the country. Alt was named one of four finalists for the Lombardi Award, given to the most outstanding college football lineman, and he is the one of the four who plays offensive line.

Alt joins Utah defensive end Jonah Elliss, UCLA defensive end Laiatu Latu and Georgia junior tight end Brock Bowers on the list of finalists. Bowers was named a finalist despite not being a lineman.

“A junior offensive tackle and team captain for Notre Dame, [Alt] has emerged as a standout player with remarkable physical traits and strong leadership qualities,” the Lombardi Award said. “Originally recruited as a tight end, Alt’s transition to offensive tackle was swift, earning him a starting role as a freshman. With a towering 6-foot-8 frame and exceptional abilities, Alt is not only a pivotal force in the Fighting Irish’s offensive line but is also predicted to be a top-10 pick in the upcoming NFL draft.”

Renowned as one of, if not the top tackle in the country before the 2023 season, Alt met expectations and then some as a junior. He owns the second-best pass-blocking grade in the country, according to Pro Football Focus, at 93.4. The Minnesota native and Fridley (Minn.) Totino-Grace graduate has allowed only 4 total pressures, including 1 sack, in 297 opportunities.

Alt has earned a 99.2 PFF pass-blocking efficiency rating. He also ranks in the top 20 in run-blocking grade among all offensive linemen, making him one of the most complete blockers in the nation.

Regarding the other finalists, Elliss and Latu are two of the leading sack artists in the country. They are No. 1 and No. 2 among Power Five players with 12 and 11 sacks, respectively. Bowers — who, again, is not a lineman — has 44 receptions for 601 yards and 5 touchdowns this season despite missing two games with an ankle injury.

Bowers ranks fifth among tight ends with at least 150 run-blocking snaps with a 72.0 PFF run-blocking grade.

The Lombardi Award, named after legendary NFL head coach Vince Lombardi, is a piece of granite shaped as a “‘not perfect’ cube.”

“The block ‘leans a little — like a football lineman in his stance — ready for action,” the award’s website said. “Even the decision to polish the granite was with purpose. It represents the complete football player, the product of intense training — good coaching — dedication to duty — discipline.”

The final Lombardi Award voting process will start Thursday and end Dec. 4. The winner will be announced on either Dec. 5 or Dec. 6.