John Nestor, a defensive back for the University of Minnesota, has been selected for the prestigious Lott Trophy watch list, a honor that celebrates the nation’s top defensive player for excellence on and off the field.
The Lott Trophy, named after Pro Football Hall of Famer Ronnie Lott, recognizes not only on‑field dominance but also integrity, maturity, academic achievement, community service and relentless tenacity.
Award Recognizes Holistic Excellence
Beyond his statistical contributions, Nestor’s off‑field work includes mentoring younger players and participating in local charity events, aligning perfectly with the trophy’s broader mission.
In his rookie season with the Golden Gophers, Nestor logged 50 tackles, six interceptions and a fumble recovery, while also breaking up six passes. His six picks tied him for third place in school history for a single season and helped the team secure a 17‑7 victory over Wisconsin, where he posted nine tackles, two tackles for loss and returned one interception for a touchdown.
His performances earned him both Big Ten Defensive Player of the Week and Bednarik Award Player of the Week honors, highlighting a rapid rise that has placed him among the conference’s most promising defenders.
Minnesota is slated to open the 2026 campaign on Thursday, September 3, against Eastern Illinois, a game that will give Nestor another chance to showcase the playmaking ability that earned him national attention.