Two Buckeyes on the current roster were named to the Lott Award Watch list ahead of the 2026 season.
One year after Caleb Downs won the Lott IMPACT Trophy in 2025, two more Buckeyes were named to the watch list for the 2026 season.
The Lott IMPACT Award is earned by the college football athlete who is both the best defender in the Nation's top defensive player as well as the person who exhibits the characteristics of Lott by making an "IMPACT" off the field: Integrity, Maturity, Performance, Academics, Community, and Tenacity.
The Lott IMPACT Award's first year was in 2004, and since then, Buckeyes have been all over the award. Each year, there is one winner and three finalists for the award.
Award Winners
- James Laurinaitis - 2008
- Caleb Downs - 2025
Award Finalists
- AJ Hawk - 2005
- Quinn Pitock - 2006
- James Laurinaitis - 2007
- Joshua Perry - 2015
- Jordan Fuller - 2019
- Tommy Eichenberg - 2022
In 2025, Caleb Downs won the award for his stellar play all season. It was a somewhat controversial decision to award Downs with the crown, as statistically, he had an average season for all intents and purposes.
He finished with just 68 total tackles, 5.0 tackles for loss, 1.0 sacks, and two interceptions. Statistically, he was just fine, but his impact on the field was through the roof.
He was either the first or second-best player on the defensive side of the ball, and the other side of that conversation was Sonny Styles, who played five yards in front of him.
Downs was special, and more importantly, he paved the way for future Buckeyes.
Heading into the 2026 season, there are two Buckeyes on the watch list for the 2026 Lott IMPACT Award. Those two are defensive end Kenyatta Jackson and defensive back Jermaine Matthews Jr.
2026 is a massive year for both players, but more specifically for Jackson. Jackson was one of the most hyped players on the Buckeyes' roster for the past couple of years, but has been buried on a depth chart behind some pretty incredible players.
It is his turn now to be the dominant force on the defensive line. In four seasons, he has 17.0 tackles for loss and 9.5 sacks to his name. It's time for him to take a major leap.
Matthews has been lurking in the shadows during his time in Columbus. He has played in three seasons, and last year was his first time getting significant playing time. He finished with 26 tackles, 1.5 tackles for loss, 1.0 sacks, and two interceptions.
If either of these two players can step up and lead this Buckeye defense, then Ohio State will be looking at the top of the mountain again in 2026. Either of the two guys may just grab a couple of awards along the way.
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