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Three decorated Longhorns named to Lott IMPACT Trophy watch list

Eric Nahlinby: Eric Nahlin05/28/25
Anthony Hill
Anthony Hill (Will Gallagher/Inside Texas)

You’re a diehard Texas fan so you can already guess the three. In order of seniority, the three players named as potential recipients for the prestigious award are senior Michael Taaffe, junior Anthony Hill, and sophomore Colin Simmons.

Texas is the only program with three student-athletes featured on the watch list.

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From the University of Texas release: “The Lott IMPACT Trophy is awarded annually to the student-athlete who best 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.”

This should come as no surprise. Texas had one of the best defenses in the country in 2024 and could be even better in 2025, in large part thanks to these three nominees.

Taaffe, a safety like the namesake of the award, was a second-team AP All-American for his efforts in 2024. The active defender was second on the team in tackles (78) and pass break-ups (10). Mere statistics don’t accurately measure his impact or his IMPACT. The fifth-year player is emblematic of the Texas rebuild. He’s gone from walk-on, to scholarship player, to starter, to All-American. His rise mirrors that of Texas’.

Hill, a linebacker, arrived at Texas with the opposite reputation of Taaffe. He was a highly rated recruit who was originally committed to Texas A&M. His impact was felt within the program immediately, first for his exploits as an edge rusher but soon after for his overall play as a linebacker. Despite the NFL devaluing his position, Hill is projected as a first-round draft pick after this season. That’s a clear sign of his ability to get after the passer. In two seasons at Texas, he has accumulated 13 sacks and 25 tackles for loss. He plays on both sides of the line of scrimmage.

Simmons, an Edge, was a freshman All-American after recording 9 sacks and 14 tackles for loss in his first year. IT sources indicated he was the best player on the team throughout spring football. One recent winner of the Lott award, Will Anderson, is a player Simmons is similar to.

The big question for the Longhorns entering 2025: Will they once again be paced by the defense or will offense and special teams do its part as well? Either way, the defense sets a very high floor for the upcoming version of the Horns.

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