15 Semifinalists Named for Butkus Award

The Butkus Foundation has announced the 15 semifinalists for the 2024 Dick Butkus Award, honoring the best linebackers in college football, which includes notable players such as Jay Higgins from Iowa, Sonny Styles from Ohio State, and Danny Stutsman from Oklahoma. Higgins leads the Big Ten with 94 tackles and has received multiple midseason All-American honors. Styles, who transitioned from safety to linebacker, is a standout for Ohio State with 52 tackles this season. Stutsman has made significant contributions to Oklahoma's defense with 77 tackles, ranking third in the SEC. The finalists will be revealed on November 25, with the winner announced on December 10. This year's semifinalists represent 14 programs across six conferences, highlighting the competitive nature of collegiate linebacking.