Some of college football’s top linebackers entering the 2020 season reside in the B1G. On Monday, the Butkus Award revealed its watch list for the upcoming season and nine linebackers from the conference were included.

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Ohio State led the way with three linebackers being tabbed as watch list candidates. Baron Browning, Pete Werner and Tuf Borland were all included on the 2020 preseason list. The Buckeyes were the only school to have multiple names included.

Purdue, Northwestern, Illinois, Michigan, Penn State and Wisconsin also had players selected. Below is the list of nine B1G linebackers who were included on the Butkus Award Watch List:

  • Derrick Barnes, Purdue
  • Tuf Borland, Ohio State
  • Baron Browning, Ohio State
  • Paddy Fisher, Northwestern
  • Jake Hansen, Illinois
  • Cameron McGrone, Michigan
  • Micah Parsons, Penn State
  • Jack Sanborn, Wisconsin
  • Pete Werner, Ohio State

The Butkus Award is presented to the top linebacker in college football. Last year’s winner was Clemson’s Isaiah Simmons. The B1G’s last winner was Ohio State linebacker James Laurinaitis, who claimed the honor in 2007.