Back to the Ohio State Buckeyes Newsfeed

Ohio State Safety Caleb Downs Wins 2025 Lott IMPACT Trophy

Caleb Downs is a great player, on and off the field.

Widely regarded as one of the best defensive players in college football and a captain for the Buckeyes this season, Downs is a leader for Ohio State, on and off the field. Sunday night was yet another example of that, as Downs was awarded the Lott IMPACT Trophy.

— Ohio State Football (@OhioStateFB) December 8, 2025

Named after legendary NFL and USC defensive back Ronnie Lott, the award is given to the defensive player who makes the biggest IMPACT – an acronym that stands for Integrity, Maturity, Performance, Academics, Community and Tenacity – for his team on and off the field.