Preseason Watch List Announcement
Rasheem Biles, a senior linebacker for the University of Texas, has been selected for the preseason watch list for the Butkus Award for the second straight year, underscoring his continued prominence among the nation’s top defensive players.
During the previous season he led all FBS players with 1.70 tackles for loss per game, earned Second‑Team All‑ACC honors and was recognized as a Walter Camp preseason First‑Team All‑America selection and a preseason First‑Team All‑SEC honoree.
Biles transferred to Texas from Pitt in spring 2026 after three seasons with the Panthers, where he amassed 101 tackles, 17 tackles for loss, 4.5 sacks and two forced fumbles, and he capped his collegiate career with a career‑high 16‑tackle performance in the Go Bowling Military Bowl.
Additional Recognition
His achievements also earned him spots on the watch lists for the Lombardi Award and the Bronko Nagurski Trophy, further highlighting his status as one of the most versatile linebackers in the country.
Award Timeline and Stakes
The Butkus Award will announce its semifinalists on October 28, finalists on November 20 and the ultimate winner in December 2026, a timeline that aligns with the broader college football awards circuit and culminates in a Big Ten Network special featuring the champion.
Texas will open its 2026 season against Texas State on September 5 at Darrell K Royal‑Texas Memorial Stadium, a game that will be broadcast on ESPN and serve as the first test of Biles’s readiness for the award race.