Alabama LB named semifinalist for Butkus Award

Photo By Brian Pride - Touchdown Alabama

Alabama linebacker, Deontae Lawson was named as one of 12 semifinalists for the Butkus Award, which recognizes the nation’s top linebacker, on Tuesday morning by the Butkus Foundation.

With Lawson in contention for the award, if he were to win, he would be the first Crimson Tide linebacker to bring the award to Tuscaloosa since 2016, when former Tide linebacker Reuben Foster won.

Even with four games left in Lawson’s senior year, he is already etched himself into Alabama history, as he’s recorded 232 total tackles, 15 pass deflections, five sacks, two forced fumbles and an interception in his time with the Tide.

As the Crimson Tide’s signal-caller on defense through eight games, he’s managed to acquire 47 tackles, one and a half tackles for a loss, three pass breakups, a quarterback hurry and a forced fumble.

And after being selected as a permanent team captain for the 2025 season, he made history as just one of 16 players in program history to be named a two-time team captain for the Tide. He’d also be the fifth Alabama linebacker all-time to win the award.

Fans will find out whether Lawson makes it as a finalist when they’re announced on Nov. 25. If Lawson does make the list, fans will have to wait until Dec. 10, when the winner is announced. The winner will then be honored at a ceremony at the University of Illinois’ football stadium on Jan. 31 and be featured on The Butkus Awards Big Ten Network Special in February.

Lawson will look to continue to prove why he deserves the award on Saturday, as the Tide faces the LSU Tigers.