Cam Buffington named Lott IMPACT Trophy Player of the Week

University of Iowa linebacker Cam Buffington has been named the Lott IMPACT Trophy Player of the Week for Week 2 of the 2026 college football season. The honor follows his performance in the Hawkeyes' 16-13 victory over Iowa State in the Cy-Hawk rivalry game.

Buffington recorded a career-high 15 tackles, including nine solo stops, helping to limit the Cyclones to 225 total yards of offense. Through the first two games of the season, he leads the Big Ten in solo tackles and ranks ninth nationally, averaging 10.5 total stops per game.

A former four-star recruit from Winfield-Mt. Union High School, Buffington has transitioned from 8-man high school football to becoming a central force in the Iowa defense. After seeing limited action in previous seasons, his current production is noted as being ahead of schedule for his third year.