UCLA Football: Bruins Edge Rusher Laiatu Latu Takes Home the Lombardi Award

UCLA's defensive end is named the best lineman for the 2023 college season

UCLA defensive end Laiatu Latu is named the winner of the Lombardi Award. 

🏆 Laiatu Latu is the winner of the Lombardi Award as college football’s lineman of the year! pic.twitter.com/bC5G0pH0Br

— UCLA Football (@UCLAFootball) December 7, 2023

The Lombardi Award is awarded to the best lineman in the country. Latu won the award over Notre Dame offensive lineman Joe Alt, Georgia tight end Brock Boeers, and Utah defensive end Jonah Ellis. 

Latu said this about becoming the new Lombardi winner via UCLA insider for the OC Register James H. Williams.

“This is all so crazy to me,” Latu said after winning. “This award means so much to me. … I have to give my appreciation to Coach Chip Kelly and the UCLA program.”

(Per Laiatu Latu via OC Register)

After an incredible 2023 season, latu takes home the award, and no one is as deserving as the redshirt senior. After overcoming being medically retired during his time in Washington after a neck injury, he became one of the best edge rushers in the country. This is out of a movie. 

Latu wreaked havoc all season long, recording 49 total tackles, 21.5 tackles for loss, 13 sacks, two interceptions, two passes defended, and two forced fumbles. There was no one better than the Bruins' defensive lineman. 

The 6'5', 265-pound lineman will likely take his talents to the next level, and there is no doubt in my mind he will wreak havoc at the pro level.