Texas Star Rasheem Biles Named Lott IMPACT Trophy Semifinalist

Texas linebacker Rasheem Biles has spent the 2026 college football season making life miserable for opposing offenses. Now, the senior is receiving national recognition for making an impact that extends well beyond the football field.

Biles was named one of nine semifinalists for the prestigious Lott IMPACT Trophy on Friday, adding another accomplishment to an impressive season that's helped keep the sixth-ranked Longhorns in the College Football Playoff conversation.

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And his statistics make a compelling case.

Through nine games, Biles leads Texas with 67 tackles, including 34 solo stops, three interceptions, three forced fumbles and 10 quarterback hurries. He's also collected four sacks and 10 tackles for loss, ranking second on the team in both categories.

His three interceptions lead all SEC linebackers, while his three forced fumbles are tied for the conference lead.

But numbers only tell part of the story.

Biles has repeatedly delivered when Texas needed a defensive spark, particularly during the Longhorns' 31-3 dismantling of Mississippi State on October 31.

He recorded eight tackles, three sacks, four tackles for loss and two forced fumbles in that victory. One of those fumbles resulted in a 61-yard touchdown return by defensive lineman Maraad Watson.

The performance earned Biles SEC Co-Defensive Player of the Week honors, along with national recognition from the Bednarik Award and Lott IMPACT Trophy committees.

It was his third SEC weekly defensive honor this season.

Biles has also been named a semifinalist for the Butkus Award, recognizing the nation's top linebacker, and the Walter Camp Player of the Year Award.

His contributions have helped Texas build one of college football's strongest defenses.

The Longhorns rank 10th nationally in total defense, allowing 280.1 yards per game, and 19th in scoring defense at 17.4 points per contest.

Named after Pro Football Hall of Fame defensive back Ronnie Lott, the Lott IMPACT Trophy recognizes more than on-field excellence.

Its criteria emphasize "Integrity, Maturity, Performance, Academics, Community and Tenacity."

Biles has demonstrated that commitment away from football, too. The former Pittsburgh linebacker established a foundation supporting young people facing mental and behavioral health challenges and has organized community activities in his hometown of Columbus, Ohio.

He'll compete for the award against eight other semifinalists, including Georgia safety KJ Bolden, Clemson cornerback Ashton Hampton and Oregon defensive end Matayo Uiagalelei.

The winner will be announced December 9 in Newport Beach, California.

For now, Biles has another challenge demanding his attention.

Texas travels to Baton Rouge on Saturday to face No. 21 LSU in a critical SEC matchup.

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And with the Longhorns fighting to remain in the national championship race, Biles will have another opportunity to show why he's among the country's most impactful defensive players.

Kickoff is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. CT on ABC.