Texas Tech University Athletics
Holmes, Roberts named to Lott watch list
May 21, 2026 | Football
NEWPORT BEACH, Calif. — The Lott IMPACT Trophy, presented by Allied Universal®, announced Texas Tech seniors A.J. Holmes Jr. and Ben Roberts to its watch list for the 2026 Lott IMPACT Trophy at a luncheon held at The Pacific Club. It is an award annually presented to the student-athlete who best exhibits the characteristics of Hall of Fame safety Ronnie Lott by making an IMPACT on and off the field. IMPACT is an acronym for Integrity, Maturity, Performance, Academics, Community and Tenacity.
The Red Raiders account for two of the 42 candidates on this year's preseason watch list. It is the same group that invited Jacob Rogriguez to Newport Beach as a finalist last season. Rodriguez was joined on the Lott Trophy finalists list by George linebacker CJ Allen, Miami defensive end Rueben Bain and Ohio State safety Caleb Downs. Downs was named the recipient of the 2025 award.
The 42-man 2026 Lott IMPACT Trophy watch list is composed of 17 defensive backs, 16 defensive linemen and nine linebackers. There are 16 players from Big Ten schools, the most of any conference, followed by the SEC with 13 players. There are six players from the ACC and five from the Big 12, with Holmes and Roberts as two of the five joined by Jamel Johnson (TCU), Tre Smith (Arizona) and Cade Uluave (BYU).
Holmes and Roberts were both instrumental in the Red Raiders' defensive success, alongside Lott IMPACT finalist Rodriguez, last season, helping the team secure its first Big 12 title and win a school-record 12 games en route to an appearance in the College Football Playoff. Defensively, Texas Tech closed the season ranked third nationally in both scoring defense (11.8 points per game) and total defense (258.3 yards allowed per game), finishing with a school-record in wins. Texas Tech led the FBS for both rushing defense, giving up only 68.1 yards per ground a game on the ground, as well as takeaways with 32 turnovers created.
Holmes was honored as a second-team All-America selection by the Associated Press, marking the first All-America honors of his career. He was also recognized by other publications, his junior season, outside the NCAA-recognized groups as a second team All-American by On3 and on the Pro Football All-America Team. Both Holmes and Roberts were named All-Big 12 selections, while Roberts was named the Big 12 Championship Game's most outstanding player as he helped the Red Raiders clinch their first championship, where he had two interceptions, five tackles and a pass breakup.
The annual winner 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.
The winner will be announced at a gala black-tie event at The Pacific Club on Dec. 9, 2026.
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.
