Hokie ClubBLACKSBURG - Virginia Tech linebacker, Caleb Woodson has been named to the Butkus Award watch list for the 41st annual collegiate Butkus Award, honoring 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.
Woodson (6-3, 230) played in all 13 games, making 11 starts last season. The Haymarket, Virginia product was second on the team in tackles with 72 (26 solo), including 7.5 TFLs and two sacks. Woodson recorded the first interception of his career at Duke on November 23 and registered a season-high 10 tackles against Rutgers on September 21.
Award semi-finalists will be named November 4, finalists November 25, and the winner revealed by December 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.
