NEWPORT BEACH, Calif., Nov. 24, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — The Lott IMPACT® Trophy presented by Allied Universal® has named four finalists for the annual award presented to the nation’s top defensive college football player based on their performance and character.
- C.J. Allen, Linebacker, University of Georgia
- Rueben Bain, Defensive End, University of Miami
- Caleb Downs, Safety, Ohio State University
- Jacob Rodriguez, Linebacker, Texas Tech University
The winner of the Lott IMPACT Trophy, presented by Allied Universal, will be announced on Dec. 7 at 7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT from The Pacific Club in Newport Beach, Calif. in a live television broadcast on CBS Sports Network. Former UCLA head coach and current CBS college football analyst Rick Neuheisel will host the event, along with CBS sideline reporter Jordan Giorgio.
This is the 22nd year of the Lott IMPACT Trophy presented by Allied Universal, which is awarded annually to the student-athlete who best exhibits the characteristics of hall of fame safety Ronnie Lott by making an IMPACT on and off the field. IMPACT is an acronym for Integrity, Maturity, Performance, Academics, Community and Tenacity.
Media who wish to attend the event are to arrive at 30p.m. PT for red carpet interviews with the finalists and special guests.
Please RSVP to Trent Rush ([email protected]) by Wednesday, Dec. 3.
Previous Winners of the Lott IMPACT® Trophy
2024 — Travis Hunter, University of Colorado
2023 — Junior Colson, University of Michigan
2022 — Will Anderson Jr., University of Alabama
2021 — Aidan Hutchinson, University of Michigan
2020 — Paddy Fisher, Northwestern University
2019 — Derek Brown, Auburn University
2018 — Josh Allen, University of Kentucky
2017 — Josey Jewell, University of Iowa
2016 — Jabrill Peppers, University of Michigan
2015 — Carl Nassib, Penn State University
2014 — Eric Kendricks, University of California, Los Angeles 2013 — Anthony Barr, University of California, Los Angeles 2012 — Manti Te’o, Notre Dame
2011 — Luke Kuechly, Boston College
2010 — J.J. Watt, University of Wisconsin
2009 — Jerry Hughes, Texas Christian University2008 — James Laurinaitis, Ohio State
2007 — Glenn Dorsey, Louisiana State University
2006 — Dante Hughes, University of California, Berkley
2005 — DeMeco Ryans, University of Alabama
2004 — David Pollack, University of Georgia
About the Lott IMPACT Trophy:
The Lott IMPACT® Trophy, presented by Allied Universal, is awarded annually to the nation’s top defensive player, who also exhibits the characteristics of Ronnie Lott by making an IMPACT on and off the field. IMPACT is an acronym for Integrity, Maturity, Performance, Academics, Community and Tenacity. Each week the nation’s top defensive player is determined by a panel of Lott Trophy board members, former players and coaches, as well as members of the media along with an online fan vote. For more information on The Lott IMPACT ® Trophy visit: www.LottImpactTrophy.org
About Allied Universal:
The world’s leading security and facility services provider and trusted partner to more than 400 of the Fortune 500, Allied Universal® delivers unparalleled customer relationships, innovative solutions, cutting-edge smart technologies and tailored services that enable clients to focus on their core businesses. With operations in over 100 countries and territories, Allied Universal is the third largest private employer in North America and seventh in the world. Annual revenue is approximately $23 billion. There is no greater purpose and responsibility than serving and helping to safeguard customers, communities and people. For more information, visit www.aus.com.
Media Contact:
Kari Garcia
Director of Communications – North America
Allied Universal
[email protected]
A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/5423e803-fb40-4630-8ed8-b0207272930f