CHICAGO - Miami's Blayne Myrick represented the Mid-American Conference on the 2026 Butkus Award Watch List, as announced by the Butkus Foundation. The award is presented each year to the nation's top collegiate linebacker. 

Myrick will play his first season for Miami in 2026 after playing in 36 career games at South Alabama where he totaled 192 tackles, 15 tackles-for-loss and two sacks. 

The 2026 watch list features 51 linebackers representing 42 colleges and universities from across the country. Returning All-Americans, All-Conference performers, and emerging defensive standouts from across the Football Bowl Subdivision are among this year's candidates.

Semifinalists for the 2026 Butkus Award will be announced on October 28th, finalists on November 20th, and the winner will be revealed during the week of December 7th. Selection is based on performance throughout the season, and appearance on the preseason watch list is not required for a player to win the Award.

The recipient will be recognized during the Butkus Award celebration in early 2027 and featured in the annual Big Ten Network Butkus Award special.

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.

#MACtion on 2026 Preseason Watchlists
Maxwell Award
Jordan Gant, Akron
Broc Lowry, Western Michigan
Jalen Buckley, Western Michigan

Outland Trophy
Evan Malcore, Miami
Chad Schuster, Western Michigan

Bronko Nagurski
Bryce Llewellyn, Eastern Michigan
Josh Franklin, Western Michigan

John Mackey Award
Terik Mulder, Kent State
Joshua Long, Eastern Michigan

Rimington Trophy
Nicholas Gallegos, Eastern Michigan

Paul Hornung Award
Keith Reynolds, Miami

Wuerffel Trophy
Caden Britton, Ball State 
Stevie Bracey, Buffalo 
Angel Flores, Central Michigan 
Dennis Strey Jr., Eastern Michigan 
Wayne Harris, Kent State 
Riley Bloch, UMass 
DJ Walker, Ohio 
Derek Houston, Sacramento State
Matt Hofer, Toledo
Dakari Frazier, Western Michigan 

Lombardi Award
Chad Schuster, Western Michigan

Jim Thorpe Award
DJ Walker, Ohio

Butkus Award
Blayne Myrick, Miami