Kenny Larabee, NRG Media
Nebraska linebacker Owen Chambliss was one of 51 players named to the Butkus Award watch list, the award given to the nation’s best linebacker. Chambliss transferred to the Cornhuskers from San Diego State, where he had 110 tackles and was named to the All-Mountain West first team.
Semifinalists for the 2026 Butkus Award will be announced on October 28th, finalists on November 20th, and the winner will be revealed during the week of December 7th. Selection is based on performance throughout the season, and appearance on the preseason watch list is not required for a player to win the Award.