Story courtesy of Buffalo Sports Information

BUFFALO, NY – University at Buffalo linebacker Red Murdock has been named a semifinalist for the Butkus Award, the Butkus Foundation announced on Monday. The award is given annually to the nation's best linebacker.

Murdock leads the nation in total tackles with 105 and ranks fourth in tackles per game with 11.7. He ranks second in the nation in forced fumbles with six on the season and last week at Bowling Green broke the NCAA record with his 17th career forced fumble. In addition, he ranks ninth in the nation in tackles for loss with 12.5

Of the 12 semifinalists, Murdock is the only player from a Group of Five program.

Murdock is the third UB player to be named a semifinalist for the award. Shaun Dolac was a semifinalist last year and Khalil Mack was a finalist in 2013.

The award finalists are scheduled to be released November 25. The winner of each award will be named on or before Dec. 10. The 2025 winner will be honored at a ceremony at the University of Illinois' Memorial Stadium on January 31, 2026, featured on The Butkus Awards Big Ten Network special in February.

Murdock and the Bulls are back in action on November 12 when they travel to Central Michigan.