It’s not quite college football watchlist season, but we have our first one with the Lott IMPACT Trophy announcing 42 names in the 2026 preseason to keep an eye on. As with most of these preseason reveals, Ohio State football is represented with two names appearing.
Those two names are defensive end Kenyatta Jackson Jr. and cornerback Jermain Mathews Jr. Both players had decisions to make on declaring early for the NFL draft, but both decided to come back to be a big part of the defense in the 2026 season. Jackson got better and better throughout the season and looked almost unblockable at times (barring uncalled holding calls). He finished the season with 28 tackles, with 11.5 tackles for loss and 6.5 sacks. He should be poised for a big year.
Matthews was a solid corner opposite of NFL draft pick Davison Igbinosun last season. He tallied 23 tackles, three pass breakups, and two interceptions and was named a third-team All-Big Ten selection. He should man the No. 1 cornerback spot this fall.
As a reminder, first-round NFL draft pick Caleb Downs took home the Lott IMPACT Trophy last season for Ohio State. The trophy is handed out 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.”
Downs was a worthy selection, and it would probably be a bit of an upset for a Buckeye player to win it this year, but we’ll see as the season gets going. There will be plenty more of these watchlists when we get into July and August.
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This article originally appeared on Buckeyes Wire: Two Ohio State football players make Lott IMPACT Trophy watch list
Reporting by Phil Harrison, Buckeyes Wire / Buckeyes Wire
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