Skip to main content
Florida

Gators DL Caleb Banks named to the 2025 Lott Impact Trophy Watch List

On3 imageby: Keith Niebuhr05/28/25On3Keith
Caleb Banks
(© Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images)

Florida Gators defensive lineman Caleb Banks came on strong down the stretch last season and people have taken notice of his play. Banks on Wednesday was named one of 42 candidates for the 2025 Lott Impact Trophy.

Per the Lott Trophy’s official website, the Lott Trophy “is the only major defensive college football award that considers character. Named after former NFL Hall of Fame star Ronnie Lott, The Lott Trophy annually goes to the Defensive IMPACT Player of the Year, college football’s top defensive player who has had the biggest impact on his team both on and off the field. IMPACT stands for Integrity, Maturity, Performance, Academics, Community and Tenacity, all characteristics exhibited by Lott during his illustrious playing career.”

Caleb Banks had a breakout season in 2024

Banks, a 6-foot-5.75, 329-pound senior from Detroit, Mich., finished last season with 10 starts, 21 tackles (10 solo), including seven tackles-for-loss, 4.5 sacks, two forced fumbles, and a recovered fumble.

Two weeks ago, he was named one of six Gators to make On3’s Top 100 Players in college Football for 2025. Banks came in at No. 53.

Last week, Banks earned more national attention ahead of the 2025 season, as ESPN named him one of the top non-quarterback playmakers to watch this year. In the same article, one Power Four offensive coordinator didn’t hold back in praising Banks. “I think he’ll probably end up being the best interior defensive lineman in the league. That dude, he’s a stud. He can play. Legit,” the source said.

2025 Lott Trophy Watch List 

David Bailey Texas Tech Linebacker
Rueben Bain Miami Edge
Caleb Banks Florida Defensive Tackle
Taye Brown Arizona Linebacker
Dontay Corleone Cincinnati Defensive Tackle 
Tacario Davis Washington Cornerback
Caleb Downs Ohio State Safety
Daylen Everette Georgia Cornerback
Keldric Faulk Auburn Edge
Eric Gentry USC Linebacker 
Aaron Graves Iowa Defensive Tackle
AJ Harris Penn State Cornerback
Anthony Hill Texas Linebacker
Gabe Jacas Illinois Linebacker
Mikail Kamara Indiana Linebacker
Jalon Kilgore South Carolina Defensive Back
Deontae Lawson Alabama Linebacker
Kyle Louis Pitt Linebacker

Jermod McCoy Tennessee Cornerback
DJ McKinney Colorado Cornerback
Derrick Moore Michigan Edge
Leonard Moore Notre Dame Cornerback
Eric O’Neill Rutgers Edge
LT Overton Alabama Defensive Tackle
TJ Parker Clemson Edge
Koi Perich Minnesota Safety
Harold Perkins Jr LSU Linebacker
Kamari Ramsey USC Safety
Chandler Rivers Duke Cornerback
Colin Simmons Texas Edge
Anthony Smith Minnesota Defensive Tackle
Xavian Sorey Jr Arkansas Linebacker
Dylan Stewart South Carolina Edge
Sonny Styles Ohio State Linebacker
Michael Taaffe Texas Safety
Dillon Thieneman Oregon Safety
R Mason Thomas Oklahoma Defensive End
Matayo Uiagalelei Oregon Edge
Jayden Virgin-Morgan Boise State Edge
Whit Weeks LSU Linebacker
Peter Woods Clemson Defensive Tackle
Taurean York Texas A&M Linebacker

Not a member of Gators Online?

CLICK HERE to join the Gators Online community! It’s the top place for passionate Florida fans to find the best insight and news in the market. 

Boasting a talented collection of experienced journalists, we dig deep into recruiting and provide breaking news and analysis on UF sports.

SIGN UP for the GatorsOnline Newsletter — Receive Breaking News, In-Depth Analysis via Email!

You may also like