Transfer linebacker named to Butkus Award Watch List ahead of first season with Tide

Caleb Woodson was named to the Butkus Award Watch List ahead of his first season with the Alabama Crimson Tide.

Butkus Award is given annually to the best linebacker in college football. The last Alabama linebacker to win the award was Reuben Foster.

Woodson transferred to Alabama from Virginia Tech after the 2025 football season. The Virginia product played in nine games last season, and he started in five of those matchups. Woodson finished his time with the Hokies with 152 total tackles, 11.5 tackles for loss and two sacks.

Alabama football’s wolf linebacker Justin Hill recently described Woodson as an all-around player.

“He is all over the place,” Hill said. “His weight, his speed, he is what you want in a backer, can fly around and hit people.”

Woodson is expected to be a key contributor for Alabama at inside linebacker.