Bryan McCoy Jr. Named to Butkus Award Preseason Watch List

STILLWATER – Oklahoma State linebacker Bryan McCoy Jr. is one of 51 players included on the preseason watch list for the collegiate Butkus Award, announced Wednesday by the Butkus Foundation.

He is one of nine players from the Big 12 included on the list for the award, which is presented annually to the nation's top linebacker.

An addition from the transfer portal who put up some impressive numbers over three years at Akron, McCoy is a two-time all-conference selection and led his team in tackles over each of the past two seasons.

In 2024, he was named to the HERO Sports G5 All-America third team and ranked No. 8 in the FBS with an average of 10.0 tackles per game. He has played 33 career games and made 18 starts.

Semifinalists for the award will be named November 4 and finalists will be named November 25. The winner will be revealed by December 10. The 2025 winner will be honored at a ceremony at the University of Illinois' Memorial Stadium in early 2026.

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.