Defensive lineman Damon Wilson II and defensive back Bryce Fitzgerald were named to the 2026 Lott IMPACT Trophy watch list, giving Miami two of the 42 candidates for one of college football's top defensive honors.
The award is presented annually to the nation's top defensive player who also makes an impact off the field, with IMPACT standing for Integrity, Maturity, Performance, Academics, Community and Tenacity.
A dedicated and proven South Florida playmaker.
— Miami Hurricanes Football (@CanesFootball) May 23, 2026
Bryce Fitzgerald has earned a spot on the Lott Impact Trophy Watch List 🙌 pic.twitter.com/QExZU7zAKe
Two Hurricanes make major award watch list
The ACC had six players make the Lott IMPACT Trophy watch list, and Miami was the only conference program with multiple selections. Fitzgerald and Wilson joined Clemson linebacker Sammy Brown, Virginia defensive end Fisher Camac, Louisville defensive lineman Clev Lubin and Duke linebacker Luke Mergott as the ACC’s representatives.
The full watch list includes 17 defensive backs, 16 defensive linemen and nine linebackers. The winner will be announced Dec. 9 at the Lott IMPACT Trophy Gala in Newport Beach, California.
Fitzgerald, a Miami native and Christopher Columbus product, earned FWAA Freshman All-America honors in 2025 after appearing in all 16 games. He finished with 16 tackles, 10 solo stops and six interceptions.
Fitzgerald was up for the moment in Miami's College Football Playoff win at Texas A&M. He intercepted Marcel Reed twice, including the game-sealing pick in the end zone with less than two minutes left. Miami held Texas A&M without a touchdown in the 10-3 win.
The Hurricanes had to reset after the departures of veteran defensive ends Rueben Bain Jr. and Akheem Mesidor. Wilson now enters the fold with sky-high expectations.
He spent 2025 at Missouri after beginning his career at Georgia, then transferred to Miami this winter. With Missouri, Wilson started all 13 games and finished with 23 tackles, 9.5 tackles for loss and nine sacks. His nine sacks led Missouri, ranked third in the SEC and helped him earn second-team all-conference honors.
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