Butkus Award Watch List Highlights Top Linebackers

The 2025 Butkus Award preseason watch list features 51 top college linebackers, including Illinois senior Dylan Rosiek, Texas A&M’s Taurean York, Louisville’s Stanquan Clark, Oklahoma State transfer Bryan McCoy, and Arkansas’s Xavian Sorey. York led Texas A&M with 82 tackles last season and is a preseason All-American, while Sorey topped Arkansas with 99 tackles and earned Defensive Most Outstanding Player in the Liberty Bowl. McCoy, transferring from Akron, made 120 tackles last year and is expected to strengthen Oklahoma State’s defense. Clark registered 76 tackles and two interceptions for Louisville, and Rosiek continues as a defensive leader for Illinois. Any linebacker remains eligible for the award, regardless of watch list status. Semifinalists will be announced November 4, with the winner honored December 10 at the University of Illinois.