CHARLOTTE, N.C. (theACC.com) – Eight outstanding Atlantic Coast Conference linebackers have been named to the 2025 Butkus Award Preseason Watch List, as announced today by the Butkus Foundation.
 
The Butkus Award, one of college football’s most respected honors, recognizes the nation's top linebacker—a homage to the fierce, no-nonsense legacy of Dick Butkus, whose No. 51 jersey became a symbol of dominance on the field.
 
This watch list features 51 of the best linebackers in the nation, a nod to Butkus' iconic number, and includes elite defenders from 39 programs across the country.
 
ACC Players Named to the 2025 Butkus Award Preseason Watch List
Name, School, Class
Sammy Brown, Clemson, Sophomore
Wade Woodaz, Clemson, Senior
Stanquan Clark, Louisville, Junior    
Wesley Bissainthe, Miami, Senior
Andrew Simpson, North Carolina, Redshirt Senior
Rasheem Biles, Pitt, Junior
Kyle Louis, Pitt, Redshirt Junior
Caleb Woodson, Virginia Tech, Junior                                                            
               
Semifinalists will be named on November 4, while finalists will be announced on November 25. The winner will be revealed by December 10. Appearing on the watch list is not a requirement to win the award. The 2025 winner will be honored at a ceremony at the University of Illinois' Memorial Stadium in early 2026.
 
The 51-member selection committee, comprised of coaches, scouts, and journalists, evaluates candidates based on the qualities that defined Butkus' career: toughness, leadership, competitiveness, football character, and traditional linebacking skills.
 
The Butkus Award is a member of the National College Football Awards Association (NCFAA), which encompasses college football’s most prestigious awards. The NCFAA’s 25 awards have honored more than 950 recipients since 1935. Visit NCFAA.org for more information.