Lott IMPACT Trophy Watch List Highlights 2025 Defenders

The Lott IMPACT Trophy watch list for the 2025 college football season highlights 42 top defensive players known for athleticism and character. Notable candidates include Georgia cornerback Daylen Everett and Ohio State's Caleb Downs and Sonny Styles, with Everett seeking to be Georgia's first winner since 2004. The award considers integrity, academics, community impact, and maturity as well as on-field performance. This year's list features 16 defensive linemen, 13 linebackers, and 13 defensive backs from a range of conferences, with the SEC and Big Ten leading in selections. Downs and Styles played key roles in Ohio State's recent national championship, and Downs is a returning finalist. The winner will be announced in December after the 2025 regular season.