USC’s Bishop Fitzgerald and Eric Gentry Named Quarterfinalists for Lott IMPACT Trophy

LOS ANGELES—USC safety Bishop Fitzgerald and linebacker Eric Gentry have been selected as quarterfinalists for the Lott IMPACT Trophy.

The Lott IMPACT Trophy is awarded annually to the nation's top defensive player, who also exhibits the characteristics of Ronnie Lott by making an IMPACT on and off the field. IMPACT stands for Integrity, Maturity, Performance, Academics, Community and Tenacity.

Fitzgerald leads the country in interceptions and hauled in 2 picks to help beat Michigan (his second game of the season with 2 interceptions) in one of USC's biggest wins since moving to the Big Ten. His 5 interceptions are already the most by a Trojan since Calen Bullock in 2022, with 3 of them occurring within USC's red zone. He is tied for second on USC's defense with 30 total tackles, 24 of them solo stops, and 1 PBU.

LB Eric Gentry leads the Trojans with 41 tackles, including 7.0 for loss of 26 yards (with 3.0 sacks for minus 15 yards), 3 forced fumbles and 1 PBU. Gentry is No. 2 in the nation and leads the Big Ten in forced fumbles (0.50) and is No. 3 in the nation and No. 2 in the conference in solo tackles (5.83).

Semifinalists will be chosen in November with finalists in early December. The finalists will be invited to attend the annual award show on December 7, 2025, in Newport Beach, Calif.

Players Mentioned

Bishop Fitzgerald

Eric Gentry