Wisconsin linebacker Leo Chenal has been turning heads all season long and the result is being name a finalist for a prestigious award.

On Monday morning, Chenal was 1 of 6 finalists named for the Butkus Award, presented to the top linebacker in college football. He is the only linebacker from the B1G to earn a spot on the list:

  • Darrian Beavers, Cincinnati
  • Leo Chenal, Wisconsin
  • Damone Clark, LSU
  • Nakobe Dean, Georgia
  • Devin Lloyd, Utah
  • Chad Muma, Wyoming

Chenal missed the first 2 games of the season because of a positive COVID-19 test. Since his return, though, he’s been on a tear.

The Wisconsin linebacker has tallied 92 tackles in 9 games, ranking fourth in total stops in the B1G. He’s also responsible for 15.5 tackles for loss, 6.5 sacks, 4 quarterback hurries and 2 forced fumbles.

Chenal is a big reason why the Badgers own one of the nation’s top defenses and are currently 8-3 with a chance to clinch a B1G West title on Saturday with a win over Minnesota. Wisconsin is also on a 7-game winning streak.

Chenal posted a season-best 17 tackles in Wisconsin’s 20-14 victory over Army in mid-October. A week later, he racked up 5.5 tackles for loss and 3.5 sacks to go along with 9 total stops in a 30-13 win versus Purdue.

With 8 tackles against Minnesota, Chenal would hit 100 for the season.