University of North Carolina Athletics
Seelmann Named To Butkus Award Watch List
August 13, 2026 | Football
North Carolina junior Peyton Seelmann has been named to the 2026 Butkus Award Watch List, presented annually to the nation's top collegiate linebacker, the Butkus Foundation announced Thursday.
Seelmann is one of 51 linebackers on the preseason list, which honors Butkus' iconic No. 51 jersey and recognizes the toughness, instincts, leadership, competitiveness, and football character that defined one of the greatest defensive players in football history.
The Mechanicsville, Virginia, native is in his first season with the Tar Heels after joining the program in January 2026 following two seasons at Richmond. Seelmann was a First Team All-Patriot League selection last season, after leading the Spiders with 120 tackles to rank second in the Patriot League and eighth nationally.
Of his 120 tackles, 52 were solo stops and he also notched five pass breakups, four quarterback hurries, 2.5 sacks, two interceptions, a forced fumble and a fumble recovery to lead the Richmond defense from his linebacker position.Â
Seelmann tallied a career-high 20 tackles against Bucknell, which tied for the most by any FCS player in 2025.
The junior is one of nine ACC linebackers on the Butkus Award Watch List.
Semifinalists for the 2026 Butkus Award will be announced on Oct. 28, finalists on Nov. 20, and the winner will be revealed during the week of Dec. 7. Selection is based on performance throughout the season, and appearance on the preseason watch list is not required for a player to win the award.
The recipient will be recognized during the Butkus Award celebration in early 2027.
The 51-member Butkus Award Selection Committee is comprised of coaches, professional scouts, former players, and members of the media from across the country. Committee members evaluate candidates using the same qualities that defined Dick Butkus throughout his career: instincts, toughness, leadership, competitiveness, football character, and consistent excellence at the linebacker position.
Seelmann is one of 51 linebackers on the preseason list, which honors Butkus' iconic No. 51 jersey and recognizes the toughness, instincts, leadership, competitiveness, and football character that defined one of the greatest defensive players in football history.
The Mechanicsville, Virginia, native is in his first season with the Tar Heels after joining the program in January 2026 following two seasons at Richmond. Seelmann was a First Team All-Patriot League selection last season, after leading the Spiders with 120 tackles to rank second in the Patriot League and eighth nationally.
Of his 120 tackles, 52 were solo stops and he also notched five pass breakups, four quarterback hurries, 2.5 sacks, two interceptions, a forced fumble and a fumble recovery to lead the Richmond defense from his linebacker position.Â
Seelmann tallied a career-high 20 tackles against Bucknell, which tied for the most by any FCS player in 2025.
The junior is one of nine ACC linebackers on the Butkus Award Watch List.
Semifinalists for the 2026 Butkus Award will be announced on Oct. 28, finalists on Nov. 20, and the winner will be revealed during the week of Dec. 7. Selection is based on performance throughout the season, and appearance on the preseason watch list is not required for a player to win the award.
The recipient will be recognized during the Butkus Award celebration in early 2027.
The 51-member Butkus Award Selection Committee is comprised of coaches, professional scouts, former players, and members of the media from across the country. Committee members evaluate candidates using the same qualities that defined Dick Butkus throughout his career: instincts, toughness, leadership, competitiveness, football character, and consistent excellence at the linebacker position.
Players Mentioned
Linebacker
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