Nebraska Signee Christian Jones Wins Butkus Award as Nation's Best High School Linebacker

In a surprise presentation Monday morning, the standout from Omaha Westside received the honor from Matt Butkus, son of the the award's namesake, Dick Butkus.

Omaha Westside linebacker Christian Jones on a visit to Nebraska. / @_christianjones.8 on Instagram

At least one member of Nebraska football's recruiting class of 2025 will be bringing some national-level hardware to his college career.

Omaha Westside linebacker and Nebraska football signee Christian Jones has received the 2024 Butkus Award, given to the nation's top prep linebacker each year. The award was presented as a surprise at the school Monday morning by Dick Butkus' son, Matt. The 6-foot-3, 215-pound Jones was named a finalist after a stellar senior season with 96 total tackles, 16 tackles for loss, three sacks, three forced fumbles, and two interceptions.

Jones was a three-way player, also competing at wide receiver and contributing on special teams for coach Paul Limongi's Warriors. The Butkus Award Selection Committee recognized Jones' talent, calling him a "disruptive force on the football field."

"He displays excellent instincts, strikes with power and made his impact felt in all phases of the game. He excels in coverage and is a complete linebacker whose effort consistently shows up all over the field," the committee stated.

Omaha Westside linebacker Christian Jones in his video announcing his commitment to Nebraska. / @CJones428 on X

Limongi said: “Christian had a fantastic high school career. He was a four-year starter at linebacker and always got the job done at extremely high level. Christian was fast, explosive, and tough. In addition, he was an excellent teammate and leader who always brought out the best in people. Christian is truly one of the best players I ever coached.”

Jones beat out fellow finalists from California and Texas, including the runner-up, Noah Mikhail from Bonita High School in La Verne Calif. The selection committee focuses on qualities that defined Dick Butkus’ career: toughness, on-field leadership, competitiveness, football character and linebacking skills.

A Butkus Award celebration featuring the 2024 winners will take place Feb. 1 at the University of Illinois' Memorial Stadium, where the award’s namesake, the late Dick Butkus, established his legendary career. More information will be at available www.butkusfoundation.org.

A statue of former Illinois linebacker Dick Butkus is seen outside the Henry Dale and Betty Smith Football Center at the University of Illinois. / Michael Allio-Imagn Images

Jones joins two other future Huskers who earned postseason accolades. Wahoo Bishop Neumann's Conor Booth claimed Nebraska's Gatorade Player of the Year award, and Kade Pietrzak was named the North Dakota Gatorade Player of the Year.

Jones committed after Nebraska's 28-10 home win over Colorado on Sept. 7, then signed with the Big Red last week. The linebacker picked the Huskers over Oklahoma.

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