Ahead of the 2025 season, the Butkus Foundation released the 2025 Butkus Award Preseason Watch List.
Viewed as one of college football's most respected honors, the award is presented annually to the nation's top linebacker. It's awarded in honor of Hall of Famer Dick Butkus.
This year, 51 of the nation's top linebackers earned a spot on the list, including UNC football's own Andrew Simpson. He is one of eight ACC players named to this year's watch list.
Following a strong career at Boise State, Simpson elected to transfer to North Carolina to finish up his collegiate eligibility.