NEWPORT BEACH, Calif. — Oct. 28, 2026 — The Lott IMPACT Trophy presented by Allied Universal® announced today Rolijah Hardy, a linebacker from University of Indiana, has been named Player of the Week for Week 8 of the 2026 college football season.
Hardy had a career game with nine total tackles, eight solo, including a pair of sacks, leading the Hoosier’s defense that did not allow a touchdown in their game on Saturday at Michigan.
Now in his third year at Indiana, Hardy arrived from the Naval Academy Prep School. Hardy is a native of Lakeland, Florida, and was a second team All-Big Ten selection last season.
Player of the Week winners are determined by an internal vote of former players, coaches and Lott IMPACT Trophy board members, in conjunction with a fan vote on social media.
The winner of the 2026 Lott IMPACT Trophy presented by Allied Universal will be announced on December 9, in Newport Beach, Calif.
Other nominees for the Lott IMPACT Trophy, presented by Allied Universal, Player of the Week in Week 8.
- Rasheem Biles, Texas, LB, SR- Had an interception and broke up two passes, while making four tackles (one for a loss) and added four pressures in the Longhorns 34-27 win over #7 Ole Miss.
- MJ Cannon, Cincinnati, S, SR- Forced a fumble, had an interception and broke up a pass in the Bearcats 37-24 upset of #8 Texas Tech.
- Sebastian Cheeks, Wisconsin, LB, SR- Made 3.5 tackles for a loss, among five total, including 2.5 sacks while team defense held USC to -18 rushing yards in the Badgers 24-7 victory over the Trojans.
October 28, 2026
by Lott IMPACT Trophy
