CLEMSON, S.C. — The Pacific Club IMPACT Foundation announced today that Clemson cornerback Ashton Hampton has been named as one of nine semifinalists for the Lott IMPACT Trophy.
Hampton presently leads all power conference players this season with 14 passes defended, including two interceptions and 12 pass breakups. The junior has also recently been named as a semifinalist for the Chuck Bednarik Award and Jim Thorpe Award, presented, respectively, to the nation's top defensive player and top defensive back.
NEWPORT BEACH, Calif. — Nov. 13, 2026 — Nine Semifinalists for 2026 Lott IMPACT Trophy, presented by Allied Universal® have been selected by the Pacific Club IMPACT Foundation.
The players selected are:
- Rasheem Biles, LB, Texas
- KJ Bolden, S, Georgia
- Robert Fitzgerald, S, Northwestern
- Xavier Gilliam, DT, Tennessee
- Ashton Hampton, CB, Clemson
- AJ Holmes, DT, Texas Tech
- Leonard Moore, CB, Notre Dame
- Sammy Omosigho, LB, UCLA
- Matayo Uiagalelei, DE, Oregon
A national voter poll will select the winner of the Lott IMPACT Trophy, which will be presented in Newport Beach, CA, on December 9, at The Pacific Club.
Named after former NFL Hall of Fame star Ronnie Lott, The Lott Trophy annually goes to the Defensive IMPACT Player of the Year, a 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.
Previous Winners of the Lott IMPACT Trophy
- 2025 — Caleb Downs, The Ohio State University
- 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 University
- 2008 — James Laurinaitis, The Ohio State University
- 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
