CHARLOTTE, N.C. (theACC.com) – Nine Atlantic Coast Conference linebackers have been named to the 2026 Butkus Award Collegiate Watch List, announced Thursday by the Butkus Foundation.

The Butkus Award, now in its 42nd season, is presented annually to the nation’s top collegiate linebacker. This year’s 51-player watch list honors Dick Butkus’ iconic No. 51 jersey and recognizes the toughness, instincts, leadership, competitiveness and football character that defined the Pro Football Hall of Famer.

2026 Butkus Award Collegiate Watch List – ACC Selections

• Sammy Brown, Jr., LB, Clemson
• Luke Mergott, Sr., LB, Duke
• Kyle Efford, 5th, LB, Georgia Tech
• Mohamed Toure, 8th, LB, Miami
• Peyton Seelmann, Jr., LB, North Carolina
• Braylan Lovelace, Sr., LB, Pitt
• Matt Rose, 5th, LB, Stanford
• Gary Bryant III, 5th, LB, Syracuse
• Kam Robinson, Sr., LB, Virginia

Semifinalists for the 2026 Butkus Award will be announced October 28, followed by the finalists on November 20. The winner will be revealed during the week of December 7. Inclusion on the preseason watch list is not required to win the award.