Dick Butkus Award Watch List (2026)

The following post features the Dick Butkus Award Watch List (2026).

Some college football teams have an NFL-level linebacker capable of making impact plays all over the field. These are the LBs you need to know about when betting on college football.

Read: Bronko Nagurski Award Watch List

Related: Davey O’Brien Award Watch List

The Dick Butkus Award Watch List features the top tight ends in college football heading into the 2026 NCAAF season.

So, who are the best LBs in 2026? Here’s what you need to know.

Dick Butkus Award Watch List (2026)

Below is a table displaying the linebackers on the 2026 Dick Butkus Award Watch List. Click here for the official Dick Butkus Award Watch List.

Preseason Player Spotlights

Whit Weeks – LSU Tigers

Whit Weeks returns healthy for his senior season after an injury-limited 2025, looking to build on his previous All-SEC production that included over 120 tackles in a full campaign. A physical, instinctive linebacker with leadership and playmaking ability against both the run and pass, Weeks has the tools and experience to re-establish himself among the nation’s elite and contend for the Butkus Award.

Raylen Wilson – Georgia Bulldogs

Raylen Wilson enters 2026 as a key piece of Georgia’s traditionally stout defense, with the athleticism, range, and physicality expected from Bulldog linebackers. Positioned to take on a larger role, Wilson has the skill set and pedigree to produce at a high level in the SEC and emerge as a serious national contender for the top linebacker honor.

Drayk Bowen – Notre Dame Fighting Irish

Drayk Bowen arrives with high expectations after winning the high school Butkus Award and bringing elite athleticism and instincts to Notre Dame’s defense. A dynamic playmaker capable of impacting the game in multiple ways, Bowen has the upside to develop into one of the premier linebackers in the country and challenge for national recognition in 2026.

Rasheem Biles – Texas Longhorns

Rasheem Biles returns as a proven contributor in Texas’s linebacker corps after previous strong showings and preseason All-SEC recognition. With the size, speed, and football IQ to excel in the SEC, Biles is well-positioned to take on a featured role and push for Butkus Award consideration with consistent production.

Sammy Brown – Clemson Tigers

Sammy Brown enters the season as a highly regarded prospect and former high school Butkus Award winner, bringing elite athleticism and competitive toughness to Clemson’s defense. Expected to step into a larger role, Brown has the tools to make an immediate impact and establish himself among the top linebackers contending for national honors.

Kam Robinson – Virginia Cavaliers

Kam Robinson returns as a proven producer and previous Butkus Award semifinalist, known for his instincts, tackling ability, and leadership in the middle of Virginia’s defense. With experience and a track record of consistent production, Robinson has the skill set to build on his previous success and remain in the national conversation for the outstanding linebacker award.

Dick Butkus Award

The Dick Butkus Award is presented annually to the top linebacker in NCAA Division I FBS football. The process begins with a preseason watch list of leading candidates. A selection committee of coaches, scouts, recruiters, and media members evaluates linebackers throughout the season, considering their performance and impact on the field. The committee then selects finalists from the watch list before conducting a final vote to determine the winner. The college winner is announced during the College Football Awards show in December, with separate Butkus Awards also presented to the top linebackers at the high school and professional levels.

Dick Butkus Award Winner (by Year)

Click here for the Dick Butkus Award Winner by year.