Entering their first season in the Big Ten, questions swirled around the UCLA Bruins’ ability to play tough defense. One of their best players answered the call in 2024 and was named a finalist for one of college football’s most prestigious awards.
Redshirt junior captain and linebacker Carson Schewesinger was named a finalist for the Butkus Award. Named after one of the Big Ten’s best linebackers, Dick Butkus of Illinois, the award is given to the best linebacker in all of college football.
Joining Schewesinger on the finalist shot list are Barrett Carter of Clemson, Christ Paul Jr. of Mississippi, Danny Stusman of Oklahoma, and Jalon Walker of Georgia.
Schewesinger leads the nation in solo tackles with 79 and ranks third in total tackles with 121.
Given his lock-down tackling ability and chart-topping stats, Schewesinger boasts an impressive case for the Butkus Award, though the Bruins’ regular season woes could impact his ability to garner enough votes to win.