ANNAPOLIS, Md.—Navy senior linebacker Colin Ramos has been named to the 40^th annual Butkus Award Watch List it was announced today. The Butkus Award goes to the top linebacker in the country.

Ramos, who was named First Team All-American Athletic Conference last year, has seen action in 32-career games, including making 24 starts. 

Ramos started all 12 games in 2023 and led Navy in tackles (110), was second in tackles for a loss (8) and added 2 sacks, 4 pass breakups, forced 2 fumbles and had a fumble recovery.  He was the first Navy player to reach 100 tackles in a season since Diego Fagot had 100 in 2019.

The 51 linebackers named to the watch list is a nod to the storied "51" pro jersey won by the award's namesake, the late Dick Butkus. His tenacious leadership from the middle linebacker position earned him acclaim by NFL Films as the greatest defensive player in football history.
 
Candidates for the collegiate Butkus Award represent 44 colleges and universities from across the country. Ramos is one of only two players from the American Athletic Conference on the list and the only Service Academy player honored.
 
Award semi-finalists are expected to be named November 4, with finalists named November 25 and the winner named by December 10. The 2024 Butkus Award winners at the high school, college and pro level will be honored at an event planned for early 2025 at Memorial Stadium at the University of Illinois as part of the Big Ten Network television special.
 
The 51-person Butkus Award selection committee is composed of coaches, scouts and journalists guides the selection process emphasizing qualities that defined Dick Butkus' career: toughness, on-field leadership, competitiveness, football character and linebacking skills. The Award is increasingly focused on recognizing linebackers who consistently play off the ball on their feet in a two-point stance in traditional form.