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Nestor Named to Lott Trophy Watch List
5/22/2026 3:55:00 PM | Football
He led the Big Ten with six interceptions last season and added 50 tackles
University of Minnesota defensive back John Nestor was named to the annual watch list today for the Lott Trophy.
The Lott 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® is an acronym for Integrity, Maturity, Performance, Academics, Community and Tenacity. Nestor is one of 42 players recognized on the watch list.
Nestor played in 11 games last season – his first at Minnesota – and had 50 tackles and six tackles for loss. He tied for the Big Ten lead with six interceptions (tied for third most in single-season program history), broke up six passes and recovered one fumble. He also returned one interception for a touchdown.
He was named the Big Ten Defensive Player of the Week and the Bednarik Award Player of the Week after his standout performance against Wisconsin. In the 17-7 win, he became the first FBS player since 1995 to record nine tackles, two tackles for loss, two interceptions and one fumble recovery in one game.
Minnesota starts the 2026 season on Thursday, Sept. 3 against Eastern Illinois.
The Lott 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® is an acronym for Integrity, Maturity, Performance, Academics, Community and Tenacity. Nestor is one of 42 players recognized on the watch list.
Nestor played in 11 games last season – his first at Minnesota – and had 50 tackles and six tackles for loss. He tied for the Big Ten lead with six interceptions (tied for third most in single-season program history), broke up six passes and recovered one fumble. He also returned one interception for a touchdown.
He was named the Big Ten Defensive Player of the Week and the Bednarik Award Player of the Week after his standout performance against Wisconsin. In the 17-7 win, he became the first FBS player since 1995 to record nine tackles, two tackles for loss, two interceptions and one fumble recovery in one game.
Minnesota starts the 2026 season on Thursday, Sept. 3 against Eastern Illinois.
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