The prestigious Butkus Award preseason watch list has officially recognized two formidable talents from Ole Miss Football: linebackers TJ Dottery and Andrew Jones, signaling a strong outlook for the Rebels’ defensive unit.
This esteemed accolade, named after legendary Chicago Bears defender Dick Butkus, honors the nation’s top college linebacker. Being named to the watch list is an early testament to a player’s potential impact and consistent performance on the field, highlighting those who embody the spirit of traditional linebacking.
TJ Dottery returns to the Ole Miss defense as a pivotal player, following a highly productive 2024 season. His impressive 76 total tackles, including four double-digit tackle performances, underscore his critical role as an inside linebacker and a leading returning tackler for the Rebels.
Joining Dottery is Andrew Jones, who made a significant impact as the 2024 SWAC Co-Defensive Player of the Year for Grambling State. Jones’s exceptional season saw him lead his conference and rank sixth nationally with 122 total tackles, earning multiple weekly honors and national award nominations.
The selection process for the Butkus Award is rigorous, with a 51-member committee of coaches, scouts, and journalists evaluating candidates. They assess attributes such as toughness, leadership, competitiveness, and football character, mirroring the qualities that defined Dick Butkus’s storied career.
Football enthusiasts can anticipate further announcements as the award progresses, with semifinalists slated for November 4th and finalists on November 25th. The highly anticipated winner will be revealed by December 10th, with a formal ceremony to follow in early 2026.
The Butkus Award is a proud member of the National College Football Awards Association (NCFAA), an organization dedicated to promoting college football’s most prestigious honors. This coordinated effort ensures broad recognition for outstanding collegiate athletes across various positions.
The inclusion of TJ Dottery and Andrew Jones on this elite watch list not only elevates their individual profiles but also solidifies Ole Miss Football’s presence on the national collegiate stage, setting an exciting tone for the upcoming season.
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