The 42-man Lott IMPACT Trophy Watch List
17 defensive backs, 16 defensive linemen and nine linebackers
NEWPORT BEACH, Calif. — The Lott IMPACT Trophy, presented by Allied Universal®, announced 42 candidates for the 2026 Lott IMPACT Trophy at a luncheon held at The Pacific Club in Newport Beach, CA.
The 42-man Lott IMPACT Trophy Watch List is composed of 17 defensive backs, 16 defensive linemen and nine linebackers. There are 16 players from Big Ten schools, the most of any conference, followed by the SEC with 13 players. There are six players from the ACC and five from the Big XII, with two representatives from Notre Dame.
Named after former NFL Hall of Fame star Ronnie Lott, The Lott Trophy annually goes to the Defensive IMPACT Player of the Year, a player who has had the biggest impact on his team both on and off the field. IMPACT stands for Integrity, Maturity, Performance, Academics, Community and Tenacity, all characteristics exhibited by Lott during his illustrious playing career.
The annual winner is selected by a national voter panel, consisting of former winners, members of the media, coaches, and members of the Board of Directors of The IMPACT Foundation.
The winner will be announced at a gala black-tie event at The Pacific Club on December 9, 2026.
2026 Watch List:
Jide Abasiri, USC, DT, Junior: Four tackles for a loss last season, among 24 total tackles. Named to Bruce Feldman’s 2025 “Freaks List” for his athleticism. Majoring in cognitive science.
Matthew Bailey, Illinois, DB, Senior: Two-time All-Big Ten honorable mention, and 3x Academic All-Big Ten. Led team with 76 tackles, with four for a loss. Also forced two fumbles and recovered one with two pass breakups.
KJ Bolden, Georgia, DB, Junior: Second team All-SEC (Coaches) in 2025 after being named a FWAA Freshman All-American in 2024. Bulldogs second leading tackler (76), had two interceptions, five pass breakups and blocked a punt last season.
Peyton Bowen, Oklahoma, DB, Senior: Second team All-SEC (Coaches) in 2025, after totaling 47 tackles with two interceptions, a team-high seven pass breakups and blocked a field goal. 2024 SEC Fall Academic Honor Roll.
Sammy Brown, Clemson, LB, Junior: First team All-ACC, Third team All-American (Phil Steele), and CSC Academic All-American in 2025. Totaled 107 tackles, 13.5 for a loss, with five sacks, 7 PBUs, an interception, forced fumble and fumble recovered.
Ty Bryant, Kentucky, DB, Senior: Second team All-SEC (Coaches) in 2025, 3x Dean’s List for academics. Plus SEC First Year Academic Honor Roll in 2023. Four interceptions were most in SEC. Also led team with 76 tackles last season.
Fisher Camac, Virginia, DE, Senior: Returning All-ACC First team (Sports Info Solutions) after tallying 45 tackles, 6.5 for a loss, including 4.5 sacks. Also forced and recovered a fumble to go with four pass breakups.
Arion Carter, Tennessee, LB, Senior: Led SEC in tackles per game (7.6) last season, despite battling foot injury. Selected All-SEC second team (coaches). Voted to 2025 SEC Leadership Council. Three time SEC Academic Honor Roll recipient.
John Henry Daley, Michigan, DE, Senior: Second team All-American and Lott Trophy quarterfinalist at Utah last season. Had 17.5 tackles for losses last year, including 11.5 sacks and two forced fumbles. Runs a non-profit with his brother to provide extracurricular opportunities for special needs kids.
Bryce Fitzgerald, Miami, DB, Sophomore: Freshman All-American last season after leading all-power conference players with six interceptions, second most in all FBS. One of just six players in FBS to total more than five interceptions.
Robert Fitzgerald, Northwestern, Safety, Senior: Led Big Ten with 69 solo tackles, among team-high 114 total, on way to receiving second team All-Big Ten honors. Became first Northwestern DB with over 110 tackles in 30 years. 2x Academic All-Big Ten.
A.J. Holmes, Texas Tech, DL, Senior: AP All-American (second team), AP All Big 12 (first team) after beginning last season as a backup. Highest rated returning defensive lineman in the country among 2025 power-four players (PFF).
Bray Hubbard, Alabama, DB, Senior: Returning All-American (2nd team AFCA, 3rd team AP) after leading SEC with four interceptions. Was also named All-SEC first team. Was Lott Trophy player of the week for his performance in the Iron Bowl.
Kenyatta Jackson, Ohio State, DE, Senior: Made 11.5 tackles for a loss last season, among 28 total. Contributor in every game the last two seasons, including the Buckeyes national championship in 2025.
Jamel Johnson, TCU, Safety, Senior: Team leader in interceptions (5) in 2025, started every game at safety and totaled 96 tackles with three for a loss.
Kelley Jones, Mississippi St, CB, Junior: All-SEC Third team in 2025 after making two interceptions with nine passes broken up. 2x SEC Academic Honor Roll. Projected 1st round NFL pick.
Clev Lubin, Louisville, DL, Senior: Third team All-ACC last season when his 8.5 sacks ranked fourth in the conference. Also had 13.5 tackles for a loss. Academic All-ACC in 2025, and a two-time honor roll student. Frequent volunteer in the Louisville community at food drives and elementary school visits, among others.
Zach Lutmer, Iowa, DB, Junior: Hawkeyes reigning defensive MVP was a second team All-Big Ten (coaches) selection in 2025. 2x Academic All-Big Ten. One of two sophomores on national leadership council last year. Received Team Hustle award each of the last two seasons.
Jermaine Matthews Jr., Ohio State, CB, Senior: Third Team All-Big Ten selection after totaling two interceptions last year on a defense with several national stars, including 2025 Lott Trophy winner Caleb Downs.
Luke Mergott, Duke, LB, Junior: Returning starter, who did not become a starter until week 5 last season. Made 4th quarter interceptions to seal the ACC title and the Sun Bowl games. Two-time Academic All-ACC.
Leonard Moore, Notre Dame, CB, Junior:Consensus All-American in 2025, Lott Trophy semifinalist. Led team with five interceptions with seven pass breakups and forced a fumble. 2024 FWAA Freshman Defensive Player of the Year.
John Nestor, Minnesota, DB, Senior: Led the Big Ten with six interceptions (3rd most in program history), returned one for a touchdown and broke up six passes with a fumble recovery in 2025. Began career at Iowa where he was a two-time hustle award recipient.
Marcus Ratcliffe, Texas A&M, Safety, Senior: Three interceptions in 2025 were eighth most in SEC, was also Aggies third leading tackler (48) and nominated Defensive Newcomer of the year. Began career at San Diego State where he was Aztecs Most Outstanding Defensive Freshman.
Quincy Rhodes Jr, Arkansas, Edge, Senior: Led Razorbacks last season with 15.5 tackles for a loss, including eight sacks. Had three multi-sack games en route to All-SEC second team honors.
Ben Roberts, Texas Tech, LB, Senior: Two-time All-Big 12 selection and reigning Big 12 championship game Most Outstanding Player after making two interceptions in win over BYU to clinch spot in College Football Playoff. Red Raiders 2nd leading tackler last season. 2023 Freshman All-American.
Ellis Robinson IV, Georgia, DB, Sophomore: Returning FWAA Defensive Freshman of the Year and consensus Freshman All-American, to go with All-SEC second team (AP) honors after leading the SEC with four interceptions. Broke up two passes in SEC title game win over Alabama.
Tony Rojas, Penn State, LB, Junior: An All-Big Ten selection in 2024, Rojas was limited to just 4 games in 2025 due to injury. Rojas’ three interceptions in 2024 were sixth most in the Big Ten. He also regularly volunteers at his church.
Jamari Sharpe, Indiana, DB, Senior: Interception in CFP National championship game sealed the Hoosiers title in win over Miami, his 2nd career interception. Also had a key tackle for loss vs Oregon in the semifinal. Engineering major.
Colin Simmons, Texas, Edge, Junior: Led SEC in sacks last season (12) as part of All-American (second team) and All-SEC (first team, coaches) campaign. Was named 2024 Shaun Alexander Freshman of the Year and was a Freshman All-American that season.
Tre Smith, Arizona, DL, Senior: Missed most of 2025 due to injury. Was 2023 Arthur Ashe Sports Scholar Award recipient and a President’s scholar in 2022. Was also first team All-Mountain West at San Jose State in 2023 prior to transferring to Arizona. \
Smith Snowden, Michigan, CB, Junior: Transfer from Utah where he was second team All-Biog 12 with 11 passes defended (9 PBU, 2 INT). Also started two games on offense last season. Voted by teammates as Utes most inspiring player in 2025.
Dylan Stewart, South Carolina, Edge, Junior: All-SEC second team (coaches) and honorable mention All-American (Phil Steele). Had 12.0 tackles for a loss with 4.5 sacks. Was a Freshman All-American in 2024. 2x Academic Honor Roll.
Jahkeem Stewart, USC, DT, Sophomore: Freshman All-American (FWAA & PFF) in 2025 after recording 7.5 tackles for a loss, including 1.5 sacks. Was #1 recruit in nation for 2026, however reclassified to 2025 to begin college career early last season.
Tyrique Tucker, Indiana, DL, Senior: Third team All-American (AP), First team All-Big Ten (coaches and media) and Academic All-Big Ten in 2025 as part of national championship season. Brother, Diamonte, was an All-American linebacker at James Madison.
Matayo Uiagalelei, Oregon, LB, Senior: All-Big Ten honorable mention in 2025 leading Ducks to College Football Playoff Semifinal. Was a first team All-Big Ten selection as a sophomore when he led Oregon with 10.5 sacks and was a finalist for Polynesian Player of the Year.
Cade Uluave, BYU, LB, Senior: Transfer from Cal who recorded 97 tackles, with three sacks, and four passes defended in first team All-ACC season. Has made 237 career tackles. Was All-ACC honorable mention in 2024. Was the Pac 12 Defensive Freshman of the Year in 2023.
Kyngstonn Viliamu-Asa, Notre Dame, LB, Junior: Led Irish with 7.5 tackles for a loss, including three sacks last season. Was also Notre Dame’s fourth leading tackler (48). Had a sack and recovered a fumble vs USC. Helps to feed homeless.
A’Mauri Washington, Oregon, DL, Senior: All Big Ten (third team, coaches & media) last season. Eight pass breakups were most among Big Ten defensive linemen and sixth most overall. Also had 33 tackles, 4.5 for a loss, and 1.5 sacks.
Whit Weeks, LSU, LB, Senior: Returning permanent team captain, who missed five games due to injury last season. Was a first team All-SEC member (coaches & media) in 2024 when he recorded 125 tackles, second most in SEC that season.
Taylor Wein, Oklahoma, DL, Junior: All-SEC second team member (coaches). Had 15.0 tackles for a loss, including seven sacks in 2025. 2024 SEC Fall Academic Honor Roll.
Sahir West, UCLA, DL, Sophomore: Transfer from James Madison where he was a Freshman All-American (The Athletic), Sun Belt Freshman of the Year and second team all-conference. Finance major.
Damon Wilson, Miami, DL, Senior: Second team All-SEC at Missouri last season before transferring to Miami this winter. Nine sacks were third most in SEC in 2025. Began career at Georgia.