University of North Carolina Athletics
October 29, 2026 | Football
CHICAGO – North Carolina linebacker Derek McDonald has been named one of 15 semifinalists for the Butkus Award, which recognizes the nation's top collegiate linebacker.
Established in 1985, the Butkus Award has become one of football's most respected individual honors. Named for Pro Football Hall of Famer Dick Butkus, whose extraordinary career helped define the position, the award has honored generations of outstanding players and remains a coveted distinction at the high school, collegiate and professional levels.
McDonald is one of two ACC players named a semifinalist.
In his first season with the Tar Heels, McDonald has emerged as one of the ACC's top defenders. He leads the conference and ranks 10th nationally with 72 tackles, a career high for a single season. His previous best was 67 tackles during his redshirt sophomore season at Syracuse.
McDonald has led UNC in tackles in five of its seven games this season, recording at least 10 tackles in each. He has also earned ACC Linebacker of the Week honors twice, following a career-high 16-tackle performance against Syracuse and an 11-tackle effort in the season opener against TCU.
The 2026 semifinalists were selected through a national evaluation process involving coaches, scouts and football journalists. The selection committee will narrow the field to finalists before the award winner is announced.
Established in 1985, the Butkus Award has become one of football's most respected individual honors. Named for Pro Football Hall of Famer Dick Butkus, whose extraordinary career helped define the position, the award has honored generations of outstanding players and remains a coveted distinction at the high school, collegiate and professional levels.
McDonald is one of two ACC players named a semifinalist.
In his first season with the Tar Heels, McDonald has emerged as one of the ACC's top defenders. He leads the conference and ranks 10th nationally with 72 tackles, a career high for a single season. His previous best was 67 tackles during his redshirt sophomore season at Syracuse.
McDonald has led UNC in tackles in five of its seven games this season, recording at least 10 tackles in each. He has also earned ACC Linebacker of the Week honors twice, following a career-high 16-tackle performance against Syracuse and an 11-tackle effort in the season opener against TCU.
The 2026 semifinalists were selected through a national evaluation process involving coaches, scouts and football journalists. The selection committee will narrow the field to finalists before the award winner is announced.
Players Mentioned
Linebacker
/ FootballFriday, October 30
Thursday, October 29
Thursday, October 29
Thursday, October 29