Ole Miss Linebacker Keaton Thomas Named to Butkus Award Preseason Watch List

CHICAGO — Ole Miss linebacker Keaton Thomas has been named to the preseason watch list for the 42nd annual Butkus Award, the Butkus Foundation announced Thursday. The award is given annually to the top collegiate linebacker in the country.

Thomas joined the Ole Miss program in January 2026 after transferring from Baylor. He participated in spring drills and has earned recognition on multiple preseason watch lists and All-America teams. During his two seasons with the Bears, he started 25 games and recorded 217 tackles, 14 tackles for loss, 3.5 sacks, two interceptions, two defensive touchdowns, and six pass breakups, according to the foundation.

Previously, Thomas was named to the Butkus and Bronko Nagurski watch lists during his college career. He is also listed on the On3 and Phil Steele preseason All-America teams and was named to the all-SEC preseason second team by several outlets.

Semifinalists for the award will be announced October 28, with finalists named November 20. The winner will be revealed during the week of December 7.

Ole Miss, coming off a College Football Playoff semifinal appearance last season, is set to open its 2026 campaign September 6 against Louisville at Nissan Stadium in Nashville, Tennessee, with kickoff scheduled for 6:30 p.m. Central Time.

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