Only 12 linebackers are now in the chase to be named the nation’s top linebacker. The Butkus Award on Monday released its list of 12 semifinalists.
It is the first update since the award released its watch list on July 22.
The semifinalists are:
Joe Bachie, Michigan State
Zack Bruan, Wisconsin
Jordyn Brooks, Texas Tech
Tae Crowder, Georgia
Jordan Glasgow, Michigan
Jake Hansen, Illinois
Anfernee Jennings, Alabama
Kenneth Murray, Oklahoma
Micah Parsons, Penn State
Isaiah Simmons, Clemson
Evan Weaver, California
Logan Wilson, Wyoming
The selection committee -- a panel of 51 coaches, recruiters, scouts and media members -- noted Missouri’s Cale Garrett, Alabama’s Dylan Moses and Purdue’s Markus Bailey likely would have been semifinalists if not for injury.
The Butkus Award will announce its finalists on Nov. 25 and its 35th winner “on or before” Dec. 10.
LSU’s Devin White -- now a Tampa Bay Buccaneer -- won the award in 2018. In fact, SEC ‘backers have won the past three Butkus Awards.