Announced on Wednesday, two Alabama Crimson Tide linebackers have been named to the preseason watch list for the 2025 Butkus Award. Those two players are returning starter Deontae Lawson and Justin Jefferson, with the award presented annually to the nation's top linebacker.

The Nagurski Trophy is presented annually to the top defensive player in college football. Alabama has only won the award three times before, which were Jonathan Allen in 2016, as well as back-to-back seasons from Will Anderson Jr. in 2021-22.

This article was originally published on www.si.com/college/alabama as Alabama Football 2025 Award Watch List Tracker: Butkus Award. Spring football concluded over a month ago for Alabama, and the Crimson Tide looks forward to Year 2 of the Kalen DeBoer era. Alabama finished 9-4 last season––its first time under 10 wins since 2007.