ESPN published a new story this week identifying a possible individual awards contender for every team in its preseason top 25.
For LSU, who comes in at No. 11 in ESPN’s rankings, the World Wide Leader singled out linebacker Whit Weeks as a candidate for the Butkus Award. Weeks missed much of last season due to injury but has established himself as one of the nation’s best defensive players.
Here’s some analysis on his potential case for the Butkus Award from ESPN’s Andrea Adelson:
There is little doubt that Weeks’ decision to return was a huge win for new Tigers coach Lane Kiffin and the defensive coordinator, Blake Baker, who has his linchpin back. Sure to be a preseason All-American, Weeks missed the bulk of last season with a broken ankle. In 2024, he started 11 games and had 125 tackles, including 10 for a loss, 3.5 sacks, two forced fumbles, six quarterback hurries and an interception. If Weeks stays healthy and puts up that type of production again, he will be up for every major defensive player of the year award in the country
Weeks could have turned pro after the 2025 season but ultimately decided to return to Baton Rouge. He’ll enter the 2026 season as a potential pre-season All-American and the leader of an LSU defense that’s facing major expectations.
For his career, Weeks has registered 205 tackles, 16.5 tackles for loss and 5 sacks. Much of that production came during his breakout season in 2024.
LSU has produced 1 previous Butkus Award winner — Devin White in 2018. The award has been handed out annually to the nation’s top linebacker since 1985.
LSU will open the 2026 season against Clemson on Sept. 5.
Prediction Markets Who are the favorites to win the 2026 Heisman Trophy? Learn more about Prediction Markets Kalshi CJ Carr 13% Arch Manning 10% Darian Mensah 10% Julian Sayin 7% Trinidad Chambliss 7% Dante Moore 7% Jeremiah Smith 6% Gunner Stockton 5% Jayden Maiava 4% PredictESPN analyst names Whit Weeks a preseason Butkus Award contender Saturday Down South.
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