Trey Lathan, a redshirt senior linebacker for the Kansas Jayhawks, has earned a spot on the 2026 Butkus Award Preseason Watch List, a prestigious acknowledgment that places him among the 51 candidates nationwide who are being considered for the award that honors the country's top collegiate linebacker.
A Legacy of Excellence
The Butkus Award, established in 1984, celebrates linebackers who demonstrate outstanding performance, instinctive play, leadership and consistency on the field. Over the decades, the award has become a benchmark for defensive excellence, and inclusion on its preseason watch list signals that a player is viewed as a serious contender for the honor.
Lathan's recent statistics underscore why he received this recognition. In the previous season he recorded 86 tackles, including 7.0 tackles for loss, 1.5 sacks and an interception, while also earning Honorable Mention All-Big 12 honors. His career totals now stand at 198 tackles across 34 games, reflecting a sustained impact over his time at Kansas.
Beyond raw numbers, Lathan is noted for his leadership qualities and football intelligence, traits that align with the award's emphasis on character and on‑field dominance. Coaches, scouts, former players and media members comprise the Butkus Award Selection Committee, which evaluates candidates based on a combination of statistical production and intangible contributions.
The award's timeline will see semifinalists announced on October 28, 2026, with the final list of finalists following on November 20. The winner will be revealed in early December, capping a season-long evaluation that rewards sustained excellence rather than a single standout performance.
Past recipients, such as Jacob Rodriguez of Texas Tech, Tyler Atkinson of Texas and Jack Campbell who later joined the Detroit Lions, illustrate the award's role as a springboard for professional opportunities. Lathan's inclusion places him in the same conversation as those who have previously leveraged the honor into successful NFL careers.
The recognition also reflects the broader context of the Big 12 conference, where defensive talent is frequently highlighted on national stages. As the season progresses, Lathan's performance will be closely watched by analysts and fans alike, who will gauge whether his preseason accolade translates into a decisive impact for the Jayhawks.