Kyle Louis and Rasheem Biles Named to Butkus Award Watch List
7/30/2025 11:50:00 AM | Football
PITTSBURGH— Pitt linebackers Kyle Louis and Rasheem Biles have been named to the 2025 Butkus Award Watch List, it was announced today by the Butkus Foundation. The prestigious honor recognizes the nation's top linebacker and is celebrating its 41st season this fall.
Louis and Biles are among 51 players selected nationwide, a symbolic number that honors the No. 51 worn by Hall of Famer Dick Butkus.
Louis, a redshirt junior, returns to college football as one of the most productive and disruptive defenders in the country. He led Pitt in sacks, tackles for loss, and interceptions last season, earning First Team All-America honors.
A junior, Biles enters 2025 following a breakout campaign in which he emerged as a physical and versatile presence on defense. He appeared in all 12 games and made nine starts, recording 82 total tackles, 14.5 tackles for loss, 5.5 sacks, one interception (returned for a touchdown), one fumble recovery, one forced fumble, and a team-high nine pass breakups.
The Butkus Award selection committee, comprised of 51 coaches, scouts, and journalists, evaluates candidates based on toughness, leadership, competitiveness, football character, and traditional linebacking skills.
Semifinalists will be named on Nov. 4, followed by finalists on Nov. 25. The winner will be announced by Dec. 10 and honored at a special ceremony at Memorial Stadium on the University of Illinois campus in early 2026, featured in a Big Ten Network broadcast.
Louis and Biles represent two of only eight players from the ACC to be included on this year's list.
For the full watch list and more information on the Butkus Award, visit www.butkusaward.com.
