Penn State is certainly keeping its “Linebacker U” reputation alive. The Butkus Award, presented annually to the best linebacker in the country, listed junior Jason Cabinda and redshirt senior Nyeem Wartman-White among potential recipients in 2016.

Cabinda has been accruing preseason honors the past couple weeks — He’s already been named to watch lists for the Bednarik Award and Lott IMPACT Trophy. He had a breakout season in 2015 as he led the team with 100 tackles, including three games with more than 10. Cabinda could be in for a major upcoming season as a leader of one of the most experienced defensive lines in the Big Ten.

Nyeem Wartman-White, on the other hand, missed almost all of last season after an injury sustained in the second quarter of Penn State’s loss to Temple. He finished second on the team with 75 tackles during his sophomore season in 2014. The senior sat out spring practice for precautionary reasons, but is expected to make an impact in his final season.

Two Nittany Lions in the past have nabbed the Butkus Award. LaVar Arrington, a three-year standout who has been enshrined as one of the greatest to ever play for Penn State, won the award in 1999. Paul Posluszny, a two-time Bednarik Award Winner, garnered the honor in 2005.

There are now five Penn Staters on preseason watch lists, with Saquon Barley and Chris Godwin named to the Maxwell Award list and Mike Gesicki listed among potential Mackey Award honorees.