Sorey Named to 2025 Butkus Award Watch List

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – Arkansas redshirt senior linebacker Xavian Sorey Jr. has been named to the watch list for the 2025 Butkus Award, The Butkus Foundation announced Wednesday.

The Butkus Award, now in its 41st season, is given annually to the nation’s top linebacker. The 51-player 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.

Sorey Jr. was among the league’s best linebackers in 2024. During his first season as a Hog, he started all 13 games and led the team with 99 total tackles (40 solos, 59 assists) while tying for the team lead in tackles for loss with 9.5 in addition to registering two sacks, an interception, a pass breakup and three quarterback hurries. He ranked sixth in the SEC in tackles per game with 7.6 and led Arkansas in tackles during five of the Razorbacks’ 13 games.

Butkus Award semifinalists will be named November 4, finalists November 25, and the winner revealed by December 10. Appearing on the watch list is not a requirement to win the award. 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.

Arkansas reports for fall camp Thursday with the first workout set for Friday morning. The Razorbacks kick off the 2025 season on Saturday, Aug. 30, when they welcome Alabama A&M to Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium for a 3:15 p.m. matchup on SEC Network.

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