Longhorns LB Jaylan Ford Named To Butkus Award Preseason Watch List

The star of Texas' front seven could be bringing home more hardware than a conference title in 2023.

Jaylan Ford always has his head on a swivel, ready to make the big-time hit. Entering this season, the starting middle linebacker is expected to be the "Alpha" of the Texas Longhorns' defense.

Fans believe he's a difference-maker. Those in the presence of handing out awards think so, too.

Ford was named to Butkus Award Preseason Watch List, the Butkus Foundation announced Thursday. The Butkus Award annually recognizes the top linebacker in the nation.

One of the top linebacker recruits of the 2021 cycle, Ford has become Pete Kwiatkowki's locker room leader after a breakout season last year. Starting in all 13 games, the 6-2 Frisco (Texas) native finished with a team-high 119 tackles, three forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries and four interceptions. He also logged 10 tackles for loss, two sacks, two quarterback hurries and two pass breakups.

Jaylan Ford has been named to the Butkus Award watch list 🤘 @Jaylanfxrd pic.twitter.com/WByQIwd5HI

— Texas Football (@TexasFootball) August 10, 2023

Ford, who was named a first-team All-Big 12 member last fall, became the first Texas linebacker to record four interceptions in a single season since All-American Derrick Johnson in 2003. He also was named a third-team All-America honoree by the Associated Press.

Expectations are high for Ford, the preseason Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year, entering what could be his final season on the Forty Acres. Texas, the favorites to win the conference for the first time since 2009, return five defensive starters, including cornerback Ryan Watts, nickel defender Jahdae Barron and safety Jerrin Thompson.

The Longhorns improved dramatically under Kwiatkowski in Year 2, mainly due to the wisdom of former TCU head coach Gary Patterson. In 2021, Texas ranked 100th nationally in total defense (425.6 yards per game) and 99th in scoring (31.1 points per game). Last season, the Longhorns bumped up 46 spots in yards allowed (54th nationally) and 71 spots in scoring (28th).

Ford was also named to the Lott IMPACT Award and Nagurski Trophy preseason watch lists. The Nagurski Award is given to the top defensive player in college football, while the Lott IMPACT Award is handed out to the defensive IMPACT player of the year. IMPACT is an acronym for: Integrity, Maturity, Performance, Academics, Community, and Tenacity.

Fifty-one linebackers were named to the watch list. The number of players is a nod to the storied “51” pro jersey worn by the award’s namesake, Dick Butkus, who was named by NFL Films as the greatest defensive player in football history. The Butkus Award recognizes the best linebackers in football.

The award semifinalists are expected to be named on Oct. 30, with finalists to follow Nov. 20. The winner will be named on or before Dec. 6. Appearing on the watch list is not a requirement to win the award.

Texas opens the season at Royal-Memorial Stadium on Sept. 2 against Rice. 

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