Arkansas linebacker Xavian Sorey Jr. has been named to the watch list for the 2025 Butkus Award, according to an announcement by The Butkus Foundation on Wednesday.
The Butkus Award is presented each year to the top linebacker in college football and is now in its 41st season. The award’s watch list features 51 players, a nod to Dick Butkus’ No. 51 jersey from his Hall of Fame career.
Sorey Jr., a redshirt senior, was one of Arkansas’ leading defensive players during the 2024 season. He started all 13 games and led the Razorbacks with 99 total tackles, including 40 solo stops and 59 assists. He also tied for the team lead with 9.5 tackles for loss, recorded two sacks, made an interception, broke up a pass, and tallied three quarterback hurries. Sorey Jr. finished sixth in the Southeastern Conference (SEC) in tackles per game at 7.6 and was Arkansas’ leading tackler in five games during the season.
Semifinalists for the Butkus Award will be announced on November 4, followed by finalists on November 25. The winner will be revealed by December 10 and honored at a ceremony at Memorial Stadium at the University of Illinois in early 2026 as part of a Big Ten Network special. Being named to the watch list is not required to win.
Arkansas will begin fall camp on Thursday with their first practice scheduled for Friday morning. The Razorbacks open their season against Alabama A&M on August 30 at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium, with kickoff set for 3:15 p.m. on SEC Network.
For information about Arkansas football tickets, fans can contact the Razorback Ticket Center or visit their website.
