Notre Dame star linebacker Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah was named the winner of the Butkus Award on Monday as the nation’s best linebacker for 2020.
Owusu-Koramoah recorded 55 total tackles, 1.5 sacks, forced three fumbles, recovered a pair of fumbles (one of which he returned for a touchdown) and intercepted a pass. 11 of his tackles were also for a loss.
His play in Notre Dame’s first meeting with Clemson back in early November likely went a long way in winning the award as the senior linebacker recorded nine tackles, forced a pair of fumbles, and returned a recovered a fumble for a touchdown in the upset victory.
Owusu-Koramoah beat out Nick Bolton of Missouri, Zaven Collins of Tulsa, Devin Lloyd of Utah, and Monty Rice of Georgia who all were finalists for the Butkus Award.
Owusu-Koramoah becomes the third Notre Dame player to win the award all-time as he joins 2012 winner Manti Te’o and 2015 winner Jaylon Smith.