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With the college football season still three months away, preseason award watch lists are already making noise. Miami Hurricanes sophomore safety Bryce Fitzgerald and Missouri transfer defensive lineman Damon Wilson II were both named to the Lott IMPACT Trophy watch list. The Trophy is presented to college football's Defensive IMPACT Player of the Year. Advertisement There were six ACC defensive players named to the watch list: Bryce Fitzgerald (Miami), Damon Wilson II (Miami), Sammy Brown (Clemson), Fisher Camac (Virginia), Clev Lubin (Louisville), and Luke Mergott (Duke). Of those six, the two Miami nominees figure to play central roles in the Hurricanes' 2026 defense under coordinator Corey Hetherman. Fitzgerald was remarkable as a true freshman last season, leading the Hurricanes with six interceptions, while Damon Wilson brings his elite pass rushing skills to the Hurricanes defensive line room. This past season at Missouri, he posted a team-high nine sacks. The winner of the award will be announced on December 9 at the Lott IMPACT Trophy Gala in Newport Beach.