TUSCALOOSA, Ala. – Alabama football’s Justin Jefferson and Deontae Lawson were named to the 2025 Dick Butkus Award Watch List, the Butkus Foundation announced Wednesday morning.

Jefferson and Lawson are among 51 candidates from around the country named to the preseason list for the Butkus, which is given to the nation’s top linebacker. Award semi-finalists will be named on Nov. 4 before finalists are announced on Nov. 25, with the winner revealed by Dec. 10. The 2025 winner will be honored at a ceremony at the University of Illinois’ Memorial Stadium in early 2026, featured on a Big Ten Network special.

Four Crimson Tide players have won the award previously with Reuben Foster taking home the hardware most recently in 2016. Joining Foster on the list of Alabama linebackers to capture the honor are C.J. Mosley (2013), Rolando McClain (2009) and Derrick Thomas (1988).

Justin Jefferson

Linebacker, Redshirt Senior

• A rangy, versatile linebacker for the Crimson Tide that earned extensive playing time in 2024
• Appeared in 12 games, including three starts, recording 60 tackles as well as 6.5 for loss (-12 yards) and two sacks (-3 yards)
• Added a forced fumble and one pass breakup across his 422 total snaps
• Earned an 82.7 pass rush grade from Pro Football Focus a season ago, the second-highest mark among Tide defenders

Deontae Lawson

Linebacker, Redshirt Senior

• A permanent team captain and the leader of the Crimson Tide defense
• Made 11 starts for the Tide in 2024 prior to a season-ending injury
• Recorded 76 tackles, including 6.5 for loss (-30 yards) and two sacks (-21 yards)
• Added four pass breakups, an interception, one forced fumble and one fumble recovery to his stat line prior to his injury