Hoover native Adam Lepkowski is set to make a splash in the upcoming college football season after being named to two prestigious national award watch lists. The former Bucs left tackle earned a spot on the 2026 Allstate Wuerffel Trophy Watch List, which honors players who combine athletic excellence with community service and leadership, and the 2026 Rimington Trophy Watch List, which identifies the nation’s top center.
From Hoover to UAB’s offensive line
Lepkowski walked on at the University of Alabama at Birmingham in 2021 after a standout high‑school career at Hoover High, where he started at left tackle for the Bucs. He earned a scholarship before the 2023 season and started six games at guard that year, helping UAB set a single‑season school record with 450 yards per game. An injury in training camp cost him the entire 2024 season, but he returned last fall to start all 12 games at center, earning recognition as the highest‑graded center in the American Conference by Pro Football Focus.
Wuerffel Trophy: character and service
The Allstate Wuerffel Trophy, established in 2005 and named for former Heisman winner and humanitarian Danny Wuerffel, celebrates players who excel on the field while giving back to their communities. Past honorees include Tim Tebow, Sam Acho, Barrett Jones, Matt Barkley and Ladd McConkey. Lepkowski’s inclusion reflects his commitment to service projects around Birmingham and his leadership in the locker room.
Rimington Trophy: top center recognition
The Rimington Trophy, named for former Nebraska center Dave Rimington, honors the nation’s best center each year. Lepkowski joins 39 other players on the watch list, including Army’s Brady Small, Navy’s Cam Nichols and FAU’s Vincent Fiacable. The list was compiled using school nominations and Pro Football Focus grading data, with additional players eligible for later addition based on in‑season performance.
Coach and player reactions
UAB offensive line coach Matt McCants praised Lepkowski’s work ethic, saying, “I saw it from the beginning, just how much he wanted to be the best player he could be.” Lepkowski told The Birmingham Banner, “That’s pretty cool. I don’t know, I mean, yeah, it’s just a good feeling. I saw [former teammate Brady Wilson] get on that list and thought maybe one day I’d be good enough to be on it too. It’s pretty awesome.”
What’s next for Lepkowski and UAB
Entering his sixth season with the Blazers, Lepkowski has already earned First‑Team All‑Conference honors from Athlon Sports and Second‑Team All‑Conference recognition from Phil Steele. UAB opens the 2026 season on Sept. 3 at Illinois, with the first home game scheduled for Sept. 12 against UL‑Monroe.
Both the Wuerffel and Rimington watch lists are part of the National College Football Awards Association, which oversees 24 major college football honors. Lepkowski’s dual recognition underscores his impact both on the field and in the community, offering Hoover fans a hometown player to rally behind as the Blazers aim for a successful season.
Original reporting: Hoover Sun — read the source article.
