Beyond the Score: Football's Top Award Puts Character First

NEWPORT BEACH, CA – November 24, 2025 – While touchdowns and tackles dominate the weekend highlight reels, one of college football’s most distinguished honors is preparing to celebrate a different kind of victory. The finalists for the 22nd annual Lott IMPACT® Trophy have been announced, shifting the spotlight from the stat sheet to the very character of the men who play the game.

This year, four of the nation’s elite defensive players—linebacker C.J. Allen of Georgia, defensive end Rueben Bain Jr. of Miami, safety Caleb Downs of Ohio State, and linebacker Jacob Rodriguez of Texas Tech—are in contention for the award. The trophy, presented by the global security firm Allied Universal, is unique in its mission: to honor the student-athlete who best exemplifies the qualities of NFL Hall of Famer Ronnie Lott. The winner is judged not just on performance, but on the principles encapsulated by the IMPACT acronym: Integrity, Maturity, Performance, Academics, Community, and Tenacity.

As the college sports landscape undergoes a seismic shift driven by Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals, the Lott Trophy serves as a powerful reminder that a player's value extends far beyond their marketability. The winner will be named on December 7 during a live broadcast from The Pacific Club in Newport Beach.

The Anatomy of IMPACT: Profiling the Finalists

To be named a Lott Trophy finalist is to be recognized as a complete student-athlete. Each of this year's honorees has built a resume that balances on-field dominance with off-field excellence.

C.J. Allen, a linebacker for the University of Georgia, has been a commanding presence on the field, leading the formidable SEC in tackles per game and serving as a team captain multiple times. Yet his impact resonates just as strongly in his hometown of Barnesville, Georgia. Allen frequently visits his former schools to mentor students and is an active member of the university's Student-Athlete Leadership Academy. His deep involvement in community work, described as “tops among his teammates,” and his recognition as a semifinalist for the Jason Witten Collegiate Man of the Year Award underscore a maturity that complements his ferocious playing style.

At the University of Miami, defensive end Rueben Bain Jr. has become a hometown hero. The ACC Defensive Rookie of the Year in 2023, Bain has continued his stellar performance while embracing his role as a leader. A Miami native, he has dedicated himself to community service in South Florida, aiming to be a positive example for the next generation. Academically, he earned a spot on the All-ACC Academic Team and is pursuing a degree in studio art. Bain’s evolution from a quiet, lead-by-example player to a vocal mentor for younger teammates demonstrates a mature understanding of his platform and responsibility.

Ohio State safety Caleb Downs arguably provides one of the most compelling examples of the IMPACT ethos. A leader on the nation’s top-rated defense and a unanimous first-team All-American, Downs has channeled his success into tangible community action. He co-founded the Trust Downs Foundation, a faith-based organization that combats homelessness across three states. His work with the Mid-Ohio Food Collective, where he personally prepared meals for local children, earned him the Big Ten's Jackie Robinson Community & Impact Award. An OSU Scholar-Athlete majoring in real estate and urban analysis, Downs is already building a foundation for his post-football life, focusing on financial literacy and asset management.

Texas Tech’s Jacob Rodriguez embodies the definition of tenacity. His journey began as a quarterback at Virginia before he transferred and reinvented himself as an elite linebacker for the Red Raiders, leading the nation with seven forced fumbles this season. His story is one of perseverance and adaptability. Already a Texas Tech graduate and a two-time Academic All-Big 12 honoree, Rodriguez made the mature decision to return for his final season after careful consideration with his wife, a U.S. Army helicopter pilot. His versatility on the field—he has even scored an offensive touchdown—is matched only by the resilience he has shown throughout his collegiate career.

The Strategic Play: Why a Global Security Giant is Sponsoring Character

The presence of Allied Universal, a $23 billion global security and facility services provider, as the presenting sponsor of a college football award might initially seem unexpected. However, a closer look reveals a deliberate and strategic partnership that aligns corporate identity with the core values of the Lott Trophy. For a B2B firm that is the third-largest private employer in North America, the sponsorship is less about direct-to-consumer marketing and more about reinforcing a brand built on trust and integrity.

The IMPACT acronym—Integrity, Maturity, Performance, Academics, Community, and Tenacity—mirrors the values Allied Universal promotes. The company’s mission to “safeguard customers, communities, and people” finds a human face in the young men who are celebrated for their character. This alignment is a key component of the firm's “There for you™” branding campaign, which seeks to build an emotional connection by personifying the concepts of safety and reliability.

By associating with a prestigious, character-driven award, the company gains national visibility on CBS Sports Network and strengthens its reputation as a socially responsible corporate citizen. The partnership also provides valuable networking and recruitment opportunities within universities, many of which are current or potential clients. It is a sophisticated marketing play that prioritizes brand equity and public trust over simple product promotion.

In the Age of NIL, Does Character Still Count?

In an era where player valuations and million-dollar NIL deals dominate the conversation, the Lott IMPACT Trophy’s relevance has never been greater. It stands as a cultural counterweight, championing the idea that a player's worth cannot be measured solely in dollars or social media followers. The award’s prestige is reinforced by its history of honoring athletes who go on to achieve tremendous success, both in the NFL and in their communities.

The list of past winners reads like a roll call of modern NFL legends, including J.J. Watt, Luke Kuechly, and Derrick Brown. These players were not only dominant on the field but were also recognized for their leadership and integrity—qualities that defined their professional careers. This track record validates the award’s selection process and proves that the traits celebrated by the Lott Trophy are strong predictors of long-term success.

As college athletics navigates its new financial reality, the Lott Trophy ensures that character remains a central part of the narrative. It celebrates the student-athletes who are building a legacy that transcends the gridiron, reminding fans, coaches, and players alike that true impact is measured by the positive influence one has on their team, their campus, and their community.