Photo by: Mississippi State Athletics
Jones Named To Lott IMPACT Trophy Watchlist
May 21, 2026 | Football
STARKVILLE – Mississippi State football's Kelley Jones has been named to the watchlist for the 2026 Lott IMPACT Trophy, the organization announced Thursday.
Named after former NFL Hall of Fame star Ronnie Lott, The Lott Trophy annually goes to the Defensive IMPACT Player of the Year, a player who has had the biggest impact on his team both on and off the field. IMPACT stands for Integrity, Maturity, Performance, Academics, Community and Tenacity, all characteristics exhibited by Lott during his illustrious playing career.
Jones, a native of Clarksdale, Miss., enters his redshirt junior season in 2026 after a stellar 2025 campaign that saw him rank amongst the nation's best cornerbacks. In 2025, Jones was named to multiple All-SEC teams, highlighted by earning third team honors from the SEC head coaches. Jones was ranked No. 147 on the CBS Top 150 players of 2025 list at the conclusion of the season.
Earning high praise from NFL scouts, the projected first round NFL draft pick started all 13 games last season, tallying 34 tackles, 11 pass breakups and two interceptions. According to Pro Football Focus, Jones allowed just 11 receptions on 38 targets (28.9%), the best percentage among all corners who played 50% of their team's snaps. His 11 receptions allowed were the fewest among all SEC corners.
The preseason recognition has already started for Jones, who was recently ranked No. 25 in the Top 100 Players of 2026 according to On3.
The annual winner is selected by a national voter panel, consisting of former winners, members of the media, coaches, and members of the Board of Directors of The IMPACT Foundation.
The winner will be announced at a gala black-tie event at The Pacific Club on December 9, 2026.
For the most up-to-date information on the Bulldogs, follow MSU football on X, like them on Facebook and join them on Instagram by searching for "HailStateFB."
– HailState.com –
Named after former NFL Hall of Fame star Ronnie Lott, The Lott Trophy annually goes to the Defensive IMPACT Player of the Year, a player who has had the biggest impact on his team both on and off the field. IMPACT stands for Integrity, Maturity, Performance, Academics, Community and Tenacity, all characteristics exhibited by Lott during his illustrious playing career.
Jones, a native of Clarksdale, Miss., enters his redshirt junior season in 2026 after a stellar 2025 campaign that saw him rank amongst the nation's best cornerbacks. In 2025, Jones was named to multiple All-SEC teams, highlighted by earning third team honors from the SEC head coaches. Jones was ranked No. 147 on the CBS Top 150 players of 2025 list at the conclusion of the season.
Earning high praise from NFL scouts, the projected first round NFL draft pick started all 13 games last season, tallying 34 tackles, 11 pass breakups and two interceptions. According to Pro Football Focus, Jones allowed just 11 receptions on 38 targets (28.9%), the best percentage among all corners who played 50% of their team's snaps. His 11 receptions allowed were the fewest among all SEC corners.
The preseason recognition has already started for Jones, who was recently ranked No. 25 in the Top 100 Players of 2026 according to On3.
The annual winner is selected by a national voter panel, consisting of former winners, members of the media, coaches, and members of the Board of Directors of The IMPACT Foundation.
The winner will be announced at a gala black-tie event at The Pacific Club on December 9, 2026.
For the most up-to-date information on the Bulldogs, follow MSU football on X, like them on Facebook and join them on Instagram by searching for "HailStateFB."
– HailState.com –
Players Mentioned
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