University of Pittsburgh Athletics
Braylan Lovelace Named to Butkus Award Watch List
8/13/2026 12:00:00 PM | Football
PITTSBURGH – Linebacker Braylan Lovelace was named to the 2026 Butkus Award Watch List, the Butkus Foundation announced today. The distinguished honor, now in its 42nd year, is awarded to the nation's premier linebacker.
The 51-player watch list pays homage to the No. 51 jersey of Hall of Famer Dick Butkus.
Lovelace, Pitt's most experienced returner in the linebacker room, started in all 13 games for the Panthers a year ago and earned Honorable Mention All-ACC honors.
The linebacker from Leechburg, PA compiled 80 tackles, 5.5 tackles for loss, two interceptions (returning one for a touchdown), two pass breakups and a sack in 2025.
Last year, he was named the Week 13 ACC Linebacker of the Week for his 100-yard pick-six which flipped momentum in the Panthers' ranked road win at No. 16 Georgia Tech in November. Lovelace's return was Pitt's longest pick-six since 1908 when Homer Roe returned an interception 105 yards for a score.
In his three years with the program, Lovelace has accumulated 157 tackles, 17 tackles for loss, five sacks, three interceptions and three touchdowns. The rising senior has scored a defensive touchdown in each of his three years as a Panther.
Lovelace is one of nine players from the ACC on this year's watch list.
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.
Semifinalists for the 2026 Butkus Award will be announced on October 28th, finalists on November 20th, and the winner will be revealed during the week of December 7th.
The recipient will be recognized during the Butkus Award celebration in early 2027 and featured in the annual Big Ten Network Butkus Award special.
