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The University of Mississippi Athletics
Keaton Thomas Named to Butkus Award Preseason Watch List
8/13/2026 | Football
CHICAGO – Ole Miss linebacker Keaton Thomas was named to the preseason watch list for the 42nd annual Butkus Award, as announced by the Butkus Foundation on Thursday. The honor is presented each season to the nation's top collegiate linebacker.
Thomas joined the Ole Miss program during January of 2026 and participated in spring drills after transferring from Baylor. The Jacksonville, Florida native spent two seasons with the Bears, starting 25 games and totaling 217 tackles, 14.0 TFLs, 3.5 sacks, two interceptions, two defensive touchdowns, and six pass breakups.
A prior selection to the Butkus and Bronko Nagurski watch lists earlier during his career, Thomas has already earned recognition entering the 2026 season here in Oxford. In addition to the Butkus Award watch list, Thomas has seen his name on the On3 and Phil Steele preseason All-America teams and has been named an all-SEC preseason second team selection by numerous outlets.
Semifinalists for the 2026 Butkus Award will be announced on October 28, finalists on November 20, and the winner unveiled during the week of December 7.
Coming off a College Football Playoff semifinal appearance a season ago, the Ole Miss football team is set to kickoff the 2026 season on Sunday, September 6 against Louisville at 6:30 p.m. CT at Nissan Stadium in Nashville, Tennessee.
Thomas joined the Ole Miss program during January of 2026 and participated in spring drills after transferring from Baylor. The Jacksonville, Florida native spent two seasons with the Bears, starting 25 games and totaling 217 tackles, 14.0 TFLs, 3.5 sacks, two interceptions, two defensive touchdowns, and six pass breakups.
A prior selection to the Butkus and Bronko Nagurski watch lists earlier during his career, Thomas has already earned recognition entering the 2026 season here in Oxford. In addition to the Butkus Award watch list, Thomas has seen his name on the On3 and Phil Steele preseason All-America teams and has been named an all-SEC preseason second team selection by numerous outlets.
Semifinalists for the 2026 Butkus Award will be announced on October 28, finalists on November 20, and the winner unveiled during the week of December 7.
Coming off a College Football Playoff semifinal appearance a season ago, the Ole Miss football team is set to kickoff the 2026 season on Sunday, September 6 against Louisville at 6:30 p.m. CT at Nissan Stadium in Nashville, Tennessee.
Players Mentioned
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