He played college football for the Michigan State Spartans and the Northern Illinois Huskies and was signed as an undrafted free agent in 2024 by the Cincinnati Bengals.

[2] Lombardi was redshirted during his true freshman year in 2017 and was named the Scout Team Offensive Player of the Week after his performance against Iowa.

[12][13] He was named the MAC West Offensive Player of the Week for the second time in the season after his performance during the Week 8 game against Central Michigan where he completed 17 out of 27 passing attempts for 348 yards with three touchdowns earning a win for the Huskies.

[16] Prior to the season, he was named to the Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award Watchlist.

[25] His younger brother Beau played college football for the Army Black Knights.