Penn State Football Linebacker Kooper Ebel Named To Butkus Award Watch List
Penn State football linebacker Kooper Ebel has been named to the Butkus Award Watch List, the Butkus Foundation announced Thursday.
The award annually recognizes the top linebacker in college football.
Butkus Award Watch List
— Penn State Football (@PennStateFball) August 13, 2026
This award is given annually to the top linebacker in college football. @KooperEbel pic.twitter.com/2hpdjsZusk
Ebel followed Matt Campbell to Happy Valley after three seasons at Iowa State to open his collegiate career. He blossomed into a full-time starter in 2024, racking up 69 total tackles, six tackles for loss, and one sack.
The Hartley, Iowa, native started every game for the Cyclones once more in 2025, contributing 77 total tackles, one sack, one forced fumble, and three pass breakups.
Ebel is projected to be near the top of Penn State’s linebacker room heading into 2026 and Campbell has frequently mentioned him as a leader on the defensive side of the ball.
The last Penn State linebacker to make the award’s preseason watch list was Kobe King in 2024.
Ebel joins quarterback Rocco Becht, long snapper Blaise Sokach-Minnick, center Brock Riker, kicker Ryan Barker, tight end Benjamin Brahmer, and offensive lineman Cooper Cousins as Nittany Lions to land on preseason watch lists.
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