We all know that college football and the NFL are two completely different beasts. This is why we have “the Heisman curse” and why stats do not always quite translate in the same manner.
However, if recent history is any indication, winning the Butkus award is usually a good sign. The award goes to the nations top linebacker in the country. In 2018, that just so happened to be Roquan Smith.
Here is a list of recent winners
2016- Reuben Foster
2015- Jaylon Smith
2014- Eric Kendricks
2013- C.