NC State Linebacker Payton Wilson was named the winner of the 2023 Butkus Award tonight. The Butkus Award has been awarded to the best Linebacker in college football since 1985.
Wilson beat the following finalists:
Ty’Ron Hopper, Missouri
Jeremiah Trotter Jr., Clemson
Edefuan Ulofoshio, Washington
Nathaniel Watson, Mississippi State
Wilson becomes the first player in NC State history to win the Butkus Award. Levar Fisher was a semifinalist in 2001.
Wilson eclipsed the 400-career tackle mark in the final week of the regular season, just one of five active FBS players to achieve the feat.