Penn State football linebacker Tony Rojas has been named a Lott IMPACT Trophy quarterfinalist, the award’s website announced Thursday.

The Lott IMPACT Trophy annually recognizes college football’s defensive IMPACT player of the year, who makes meaningful contributions to his team on and off the field. IMPACT stands for Integrity, Maturity, Performance, Academics, Community and Tenacity. The award is named after NFL Hall of Famer Ronnie Lott.

Rojas was arguably Matt Campbell’s biggest retention once he took over Penn State in December 2025. The Fairfax, Virginia, native has been the Nittany Lions’ most productive defender, tallying 44 total tackles, 8.5 tackles-for-loss, four sacks, one forced fumble, and two interceptions through six games in 2026.

Rojas missed most of last season with a long-term injury suffered against Oregon in the White Out. He was an All-Big Ten Honorable Mention in 2024.

Rojas was also named an AP Midseason Second-Team All-American and is up for Comeback Player of the Year and Hispanic College Football Player of the Year.

The last Penn State player to win the Lott IMPACT Trophy was Carl Nassib in 2015.

Other Big Ten players on the quarterfinalist list include USC’s Jide Abasiri, Northwestern’s Robert Fitzgerald, Iowa’s Zach Lutmer, UCLA’s Sammy Omosigho, and Oregon’s Matayo Uiagalelei. Former Penn State defensive tackle Xavier Gilliam also landed on the list as a Tennessee Volunteer.

The award will announce its semifinalists in November. A national voter poll will then select the winner, who will be presented at a ceremonial dinner in Newport Beach, California, on December 9.