It’s not quite college football watch list season, but it’s close. Look no further for proof than the earliest of the watch list announcements taking place this week with the unveiling of the Lott IMPACT Trophy watch list for 2025. All told, 42 players appear on this year’s version of the watch list, and two of those will be wearing Scarlet and Gray on Saturdays.
It’s no surprise that Ohio State safety Caleb Downs is on the list as arguably the best defensive player in the country (hint: it won’t be the last watch list he appears on), but linebacker Sonny Styles is also among the names to keep an eye on.
The Lott IMPACT Trophy, named after former NFL Hall of Fame star Ronnie Lott, annually goes to the “Defensive IMPACT Player of the Year, college football’s top defensive 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 winner will be announced in December and 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. So, stay tuned after the season gets going to see what names continue to be considered for a rather prestigious award.
Things will really start to heat up with these preseason watch lists as things get closer and closer to fall camp, and as they do, we’ll let you know the ones that have a little Buckeye flair.
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