Johnsonville Partners With Joe Moore Award to Honor Offensive Linemen

The Joe Moore Award, now in its 12th year, remains the only major college football honor dedicated to the collective performance of an entire offensive unit rather than a standout individual. Founded by Notre Dame All-American Aaron Taylor, the award evaluates technique, toughness, and unity through a committee of former linemen, coaches, and NFL talent evaluators who analyze game tape throughout the season.

For Johnsonville, the collaboration mirrors the brand's long-standing connection to the gameday tailgate experience. Ryan Pociask, President of Johnsonville’s U.S. Business, described the partnership as a natural fit, noting that the camaraderie required to move a defensive front aligns with the brand's focus on gathering people together. The recipient of this year’s honor will be announced during a surprise on-campus reveal in December.

Past winners include programs such as Alabama, Michigan, and Iowa, the latter of which secured the award for a second time last year. To track this season's frontrunners, the organization will launch a weekly series, "The Joe Moore Award Show," on its YouTube channel starting August 26.