From Walk-On to Rimington Watch List, Adam Lepkowski’s Journey Pays Off

By Steve Irvine

BIRMINGHAM, ALABAMA - August 7, 2026

Adam Lepkowski is not often lost for words. On Thursday, though, it took the UAB center a moment to collect his thoughts after being told by a reporter that he was included on the Rimington Award preseason watch list.

He quickly admitted to being emotional about being listed as a candidate for the award honoring the country’s best college center.

“That's pretty cool,” Lepkowski said. “I don't know, I mean, yeah, it's just like a good feeling. I saw (former teammate Brady Wilson) get on that list. I was like, ‘Man, maybe one day I'll be good enough to even be on that.’ It’s pretty awesome.”

Like with any other preseason list, it’s just a starting spot. What he does this season carries more importance. However, considering how far Lepkowski has traveled in his college football journey, it’s a huge deal for the 6-foot-3, 300-pound senior. Lepkowski walked on at UAB in 2021 after a successful high school career at Hoover High. He earned a scholarship before the 2023 season and he started six games that season at guard for an injury-ravaged offensive line. Lepkowski missed the 2024 season with an injury and became a fulltime starter at center last season.

“Oh, it’s super cool,” said UAB offensive line coach Matt McCants. “Obviously, being here this whole time since he’s been here, just to see his growth (is amazing). He is a former walk-on and now he’s on the list of the freaking best centers in the country, all-conference and all those things. It’s a testament to his hard work, his determination and his perseverance. He’s went through some adversity with injuries and what not. Just to see him crawl back after each thing he’s been through, he reminds me of Rocky. He has that Rocky-type mindset. No matter what, he just keeps on fighting, keeps on clawing.”

His journey made Thursday’s announcement even more special for Lepkowski.

“I think it just makes it all worth it at the end of the day,” Lepkowski said. “You know, just all those times where I was questioning, you know, what was God's plan for me. Like, do I need to stay here? Do I need to even keep playing football? It's just like, it’s all paying off. I'm collecting my deposit, you know? I’m getting my money back, that’s what it kind of feels like.”

McCants was asked on Thursday when he first saw Lepkowski turning a corner as a college football player.

“I saw it from the beginning, of just how much he wanted to be the best player he could be,” McCants said. “Obviously, he was  limited with having to get stronger in the weight room and the speed of the game and being able to adapt to that. But each year you just him getting better. He would to try take extra reps. He would do things after practice to try and make himself the best he could be. Obviously that’s a testament to who he is as a person.”