Nathaniel Watson First Butkus Award Finalists in Mississippi State History

iIn a program first, Mississippi State football's Nathaniel Watson was named a finalist on Tuesday for the Butkus Award given annually to the nation's best linebacker. 

Not only has Mississippi State never had a winner of the annual honor, it's never had a finalist before. 

The Maplesville, Ala., product has notched 10 sacks, which leads the Southeastern Conference and is eighth nationally. His 116 total tackles are second in the league and 10th nationally.

According to Pro Football Focus, Watson leads all of college football in overall tackle grade at 90.7 and is ranked second in total pressures with 32. For his career, Watson has played in 56 games and totaled 358 tackles to go along with 34.5 tackles for loss and 21 sacks. He has two career interceptions, seven pass breakups, three forced fumbles, and two fumble recoveries.

Last week against Southern Miss, Watson registered 21 tackles, the most by any SEC defender since 2017 and the most by any Bulldog since 2000. Overall, he's produced five double-digit tackle games while leading the team in tackles six times. He has recorded at least a half sack in eight of the last nine games, the longest streak by a Bulldog since Montez Sweat in 2017. Watson has also recorded five quarterback hurries, two forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries, a pair of pass breakups and an interception.

The winner will be named on or before Dec. 6. An SEC player has won the award in four of the last seven years. 

2023 Butkus Award Finalists

Ty’Ron Hopper, Missouri
Jeremiah Trotter Jr., Clemson
Edefuan Ulofoshio, Washington
Nathaniel Watson, Mississippi State
Payton Wilson, NC State