CHICAGO - Central Michigan linebacker Jordan Kwiatkowski was named to the 2025 Butkus Award Watch List, as announced by The Butkus Foundation today. 

Kwiatkowski led Central Michigan in tackles (96), solo tackles (48), tackles for loss (14.5-30 yards), intercepted one pass, broke up another pass, and had a quarterback hurry in 2024. Additionally, he ranked No. 46 in the nation in total tackles (8.0 per game, No. 8 in the MAC in tackles (8.0 per game) and No. 3 in tackles for loss (1.17 per game). 

Award semi-finalists will be named November 4, finalists November 25, and the winner revealed by December 10. Appearing on the watch list is not a requirement to win the award. The 2025 winner will be honored at a ceremony at the University of Illinois' Memorial Stadium in early 2026, featured on a Big Ten Network special.
 
The 51-member selection committee, comprised of coaches, scouts, and journalists, evaluates candidates based on the qualities that defined Butkus' career: toughness, leadership, competitiveness, football character, and traditional linebacking skills.

MACtion on Preseason Watch Lists
Maxwell Award
Al-Jay Henderson, Buffalo
Parker Navarro, Ohio
Tucker Gleason, Toledo
Jalen Buckley, Western Michigan

Bronko Nagurski Trophy
Red Murdock, Buffalo

Jim Thorpe Award
Tank Pearson, Ohio
DJ Walker, Ohio
?Avery Smith, Toledo

Butkus Award Watch List
Jordan Kwiatkowski, Central Michigan