Three Longhorns named to the Lott Impact Trophy watch list.
The 2025 Lott IMPACT Trophy Watch List has spotlighted three Texas Longhorns—Michael Taaffe, Anthony Hill Jr., and Colin Simmons—highlighting their exceptional contributions both on and off the field. This recognition underscores the University of Texas’s commitment to excellence in football and character development.
The Lott IMPACT Trophy is a prestigious college football award presented annually by the Pacific Club IMPACT Foundation. Named after NFL Hall of Famer Ronnie Lott, the award honors a defensive player who exemplifies the acronym IMPACT: Integrity, Maturity, Performance, Academics, Community, and Tenacity. Unlike other awards that focus solely on athletic performance, the Lott Trophy emphasizes a holistic approach to a player’s influence, both on the field and in their community.
The 2025 Watch List comprises 42 candidates, including 16 defensive linemen, 13 linebackers, and 13 defensive backs. Among these, Texas stands out as the only program with three representatives, highlighting the depth and character of its defensive roster.
Michael Taaffe’s journey is a testament to perseverance and dedication. Starting as a walk-on, Taaffe earned a scholarship and eventually became a key player in Texas’s secondary. In the 2024 season, he recorded 78 tackles and 10 pass breakups, earning second-team All-American honors. His rise from walk-on to All-American mirrors the resurgence of the Texas football program itself.
Off the field, Taaffe is known for his leadership and commitment to community service, embodying the values the Lott Trophy seeks to honor.
As a sophomore, Anthony Hill Jr. has already made a significant impact. In the 2024 season, he was named a consensus All-American and received the Lott IMPACT Trophy Player of the Week award in October. Hill’s performance on the field is matched by his dedication to academics and community involvement, making him a deserving candidate for the Lott Trophy.
Colin Simmons, a freshman linebacker, has quickly become a standout player for Texas. In his inaugural season, he earned the Shaun Alexander Freshman of the Year Award and was named to the Lott IMPACT Trophy Watch List. Simmons’s early success is a testament to his talent and work ethic, and he is poised to continue making significant contributions to the Longhorns.
The inclusion of Taaffe, Hill, and Simmons on the Lott IMPACT Trophy Watch List reflects Texas’s commitment to developing well-rounded student-athletes. Their recognition highlights the program’s focus on not only athletic performance but also character development and community involvement.
As the season progresses, these players will continue to represent the values of the Lott Trophy, striving for excellence both on and off the field.
