Ohio State could have back-to-back Lott IMPACT Trophy winners.
After Caleb Downs took home the award in 2025, Kenyatta Jackson Jr. and Jermaine Mathews Jr. were named to the watch list entering the 2026 season.
Lott Impact Trophy Watchlist
— Ohio State Football (@OhioStateFB) May 22, 2026
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This past winter, Jackson and Mathews decided to return to Ohio State for another year — Jackson his fifth, and Mathews his fourth.
Jackson was a backup defensive end during his first three seasons with the Buckeyes but emerged as a starter opposite Caden Curry when Jack Sawyer and JT Tuimoloau declared for the 2025 NFL draft. In his first year among the top 11, Jackson recorded 28 tackles with 11.5 tackles for loss and 6.5 sacks.
Mathews was in a similar spot to Jackson during his first two seasons at Ohio State, providing depth behind Denzel Burke and Davison Igbinosun. With Igbinosun locking down the No. 1 cornerback spot as a senior in 2025, Mathews slid comfortably into the second position while also moving inside during different parts of the year. Mathews had 23 tackles, three pass breakups and two interceptions and was a third-team All-Big Ten honoree.
Both Jackson and Mathews are poised for more production in 2026 as the players with the most experience in their position rooms. Jackson will have either Beau Atkinson, Qua Russaw or Zion Grady as his fellow starting defensive end this fall, while Mathews will have Devin Sanchez, Dominick Kelly and Cam Calhoun as his running mates.
The Lott IMPACT Trophy is the first national award to announce its 2026 watch list. Far more will come when the season draws closer in July and August.
