University of North Carolina Athletics
Simpson Named To 2025 Butkus Award Preseason Watch List
July 30, 2025 | Football
CHICAGO – North Carolina linebacker Andrew Simpson has been named to the 2025 Dick Butkus Award Preseason Watch List, presented annually to the nation's best linebacker, announced Wednesday by the Butkus Foundation. The redshirt senior, who transferred into the Tar Heel Football program following spring practice, was selected to the preseason watch list for the second consecutive year.
Simpson appeared in 12 games last season at Boise State, starting 11. He tallied 46 tackles, including 29 solo tackles and 17 assisted tackles. The Wilder Avenue, California, native logged 11 tackles for loss, the third most on the team.
He also recorded three sacks, forced three fumbles and reeled in an interception in 2024.
Simpson's play at linebacker helped the Broncos earn a spot in the College Football Playoff, where he made four tackles against sixth-seeded Penn State in the quarterfinals.
Simpson owns 141 tackles, 32 tackles for loss and 12.5 sacks during his collegiate career.
The 51-player watch list pays tribute to Dick Butkus' iconic No. 51 jersey, worn during his Hall of Fame career as the most feared defender in football history.
Semifinalists will be named Nov. 4, finalists Nov. 25, and the winner will be revealed by Dec. 10. The 2025 winner will be honored at a ceremony at the University of Illinois' Memorial Stadium in early 2026.
The 51-member selection committee, comprised of coaches, scouts, and journalists, evaluates candidates based on the qualities that defined Butkus' career: toughness, leadership, competitiveness, football character, and traditional linebacking skills.
Simpson appeared in 12 games last season at Boise State, starting 11. He tallied 46 tackles, including 29 solo tackles and 17 assisted tackles. The Wilder Avenue, California, native logged 11 tackles for loss, the third most on the team.
He also recorded three sacks, forced three fumbles and reeled in an interception in 2024.
Simpson's play at linebacker helped the Broncos earn a spot in the College Football Playoff, where he made four tackles against sixth-seeded Penn State in the quarterfinals.
Simpson owns 141 tackles, 32 tackles for loss and 12.5 sacks during his collegiate career.
The 51-player watch list pays tribute to Dick Butkus' iconic No. 51 jersey, worn during his Hall of Fame career as the most feared defender in football history.
Semifinalists will be named Nov. 4, finalists Nov. 25, and the winner will be revealed by Dec. 10. The 2025 winner will be honored at a ceremony at the University of Illinois' Memorial Stadium in early 2026.
The 51-member selection committee, comprised of coaches, scouts, and journalists, evaluates candidates based on the qualities that defined Butkus' career: toughness, leadership, competitiveness, football character, and traditional linebacking skills.
Players Mentioned
Linebacker
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