IOWA CITY, Iowa — University of Iowa senior defensive tackle Aaron Graves has been named to the 2025 Lott IMPACT Trophy Watch List. The announcement was made Wednesday by the Pacific Club IMPACT Foundation.

The 42 nominees represent the finest in college football defensive players who have had the biggest IMPACT on their teams both on and off the field. IMPACT stands for Integrity, Maturity, Performance, Academics, Community and Tenacity.

Graves (6-foot-4, 300-pounds) started all 13 games at defensive tackle in 2024, recording 33 tackles, including eight tackles for a loss (six sacks), three forced fumbles, three pass break-ups and two quarterback pressures. His three forced fumbles led the Big Ten.

The native of Dayton, Iowa, was tabbed Big Ten Co-Defensive Player of the Week after registering five tackles, including two sacks, forcing a career-high two fumbles and breaking up a pass in Iowa’s 40-16 victory over Washington on Oct. 12, 2024.

Graves was an honorable mention All-Big Ten selection by league coaches and media last season. He also earned Iowa’s team Hustle Award on defense. Off the field, Graves was a second-team Academic All-American and an Academic All-Big Ten honoree in 2024. He earned his bachelor’s degree in exercise science with highest distinction last summer.

During his collegiate career, Graves has amassed volunteer hours at Filter of Hope, Safe Haven Animal Shelter, Athletes in Action, Day of Caring and CommUnity Crisis Services & Food Bank.

Former Hawkeye linebacker and current Carolina Panther Josey Jewellwon the award in 2017. James Morris was a finalist in 2013, while Desmond King (2016), Cooper DeJean (2023) and Jay Higgins (2024) were recent semifinalists.

Finalists for the award will be announced in December.

The Hawkeyes kickoff their 2025 season on Aug. 30 against UAlbany in Kinnick Stadium.