IOWA CITY, Iowa — University of Iowa fifth-year linebacker Jayden Montgomery has been named to the 2026 Butkus Award Watch List, it was announced Thursday.
Montgomery is one of 51 linebackers named to the watch list this season – a nod to the storied “51” pro jersey worn by the award’s namesake, the late Dick Butkus. Candidates represent 42 colleges and universities.
Montgomery (5-foot-11, 227 pounds) saw action in all 13 games last season, including seven starts at linebacker, for the nationally ranked, nine-win Hawkeyes. He recorded 44 tackles, one tackle for loss, and two pass breakups. A three-time Coaches Appreciation Award honoree, Montgomery is one of eight seniors serving on the team’s Leadership Council this season. The Suamico, Wisconsin, native is also a candidate for the 2026 Wuerffel Trophy, which is college football’s premier award for community service.
Award semifinalists are expected to be announced Oct. 28, with finalists named Nov. 20 and the winner revealed during the week of Dec. 7.
Jack Campbell won the Butkus Award in 2022, while Larry Station finished second in the voting in 1985. Campbell was also the professional winner of the 2025 Butkus Award. Josey Jewell was a finalist in 2016, and the program has produced several semifinalists: Chad Greenway (2005), Jewell (2017), Campbell (2021), and Jay Higgins (2023, 2024).
The 51-member Butkus Award Selection Committee is comprised of coaches, professional scouts, former players, and members of the media from across the country. Committee members evaluate candidates using the same qualities that defined Dick Butkus throughout his career: instincts, toughness, leadership, competitiveness, football character, and consistent excellence at the linebacker position.
Fans can get their first glimpse of the 2026 Hawkeye football team at Kids’ Day on Saturday, Aug. 15, at Kinnick Stadium. Admission is free, with player autographs beginning at 10:30 a.m. followed by practice at 11 a.m.
HAWKEYES ON 2026 WATCH LISTS
* Trevor Lauck – Outland Trophy | Lombardi Award
* Eli Ozick – Lou Groza Award
* Kade Pieper – Outland Trophy | Rimington Trophy | Lombardi Award
* Zach Lutmer – Nagurski Trophy
* Jayden Montgomery – Wuerffel Trophy | Butkus Award
* DJ Vonnahme – Mackey Award
