The prestigious award — presented annually since 1985 to the most impactful linebacker in college football — was named after Dick Butkus who was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1983 and the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1979. The 51-player watch list pays tribute to the iconic No. 51 jersey worn by Butkus during his hall of fame career.

In June, Kelly, a 6-2, 240-pound senior from Kearns, Utah, was named preseason All-Big 12 Second Team by Phil Steele and Athlon Sports. He was also recently named to the preseason watchlist for the Bronko Nagurski Trophy, awarded annually to the nation’s top defensive player by the Football Writers Association of America.

As a junior in 2024 he was named College Football Network All-Big 12 First Team as well as the Big 12 Defensive Newcomer of the Year and the Defensive Transfer of the Year. In addition, Kelly was also named Phil Steele Big 12 All-Conference Third Team and received honorable mention by the conference head coaches as the Big 12 Defensive Newcomer of the Year. He was also named to the Butkus Award Watch List prior to the 2024 season.

Glasker, a 6-5, 235-pound junior from South Jordan, was named honorable mention All-American by Sports Illustrated and was the defensive MVP of the Valero Alamo Bowl, leading BYU to a 36-14 win over Colorado. He also led the Big 12 in tackles for loss with 13.5. For BYU, Glasker was second on the team with 62 tackles, 3.5 sacks, eight quarterback hurries and two interceptions. Glasker was named Midseason All-America by The Athletic and Midseason All-Big 12 by College Football Network.

Candidates for the 2025 Butkus Award represent 39 universities nationwide. Selections by conference include the SEC (18), Big Ten (12), Big 12 (9) and ACC (8), with additional nominees from four other conferences. BYU joins Alabama, Clemson, Georgia, LSU, Michigan, Mississippi, Notre Dame, Ohio State, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pittsburgh and Texas with multiple candidates on the Butkus watch list.

Semifinalists for the Butkus Award are expected to be named on Nov. 4, with the finalists announced on Nov. 25. The winner of the 2024 Butkus Award will be revealed on Dec. 10, during The Home Depot College Football Awards on ESPN. The 2025 winner will be honored at a ceremony at the University of Illinois’ Memorial Stadium in early 2026.

Founded in 1985, the Butkus Award is presented by the Butkus Foundation and selected by a 51-member expert panel of coaches, scouts and journalists. Now in its 40th season, the Butkus Award honors the nation’s best linebacker.

BYU women’s volleyball adds middle blocker to roster

Transfer middle blocker Elena Wallace will be a Cougar in 2025, head coach Heather Olmstead announced Wednesday.

Wallace, a Cedar Hills, Utah native, joins BYU as a graduate transfer after two seasons at Salt Lake Community College (SLCC) and another pair at Tennessee Tech.

During her two seasons in Cookeville, Wallace tallied 112 kills, 61 total blocks, including 11 solo, and seven digs.

The middle blocker averaged 1.89 kills per set for SLCC in 2021, hitting .257 on 172 kills while also recording 64 total blocks. Wallace played in just eight matches in 2022 due to an injury but not before registering a career-high 14 kills against Colorado Northwestern.

Wallace played high school volleyball at Mountain View in Orem, helping to lead the Bruins to the 2019 5A state championship while earning second team All-State honors.

She’ll join fellow transfer Emma Barbero as well as Anna Blamires, Suli Davis, Grace Fredrick and Kaylee Tingey as the sixth member of BYU’s 2025 signing class.

Cougar Kickoff scheduled for Aug. 6

To celebrate the start of a new season, BYU Athletics has announced the 2025 Cougar Kickoff, presented by doTERRA, for Wednesday, Aug. 6

The event with run from 6-8 p.m. and will be held at Helaman Fields. Those attending are asked to enter on the northwest side and parking is available at LaVell Edwards Stadium.

The Cougars Kickoff is a chance for fans to meet the fall sports teams and ask for autographs and photos. Other activities include inflatables and games for all ages, giveaways, face painters, food trucks and concessions and BYU store merchandise.

This event is free and open to all fans.

Barnett tabbed to be assistant coach for BYU women’s tennis

Former BYU men’s tennis standout Jack Barnett has been named assistant coach for BYU women’s tennis, head coach Holly Hasler announced Wednesday.

Barnett returns to Provo after a successful collegiate career from 2018-23, where he played a pivotal role for the Cougars. A team captain and No. 1 singles and doubles player, Barnett was named to the WCC All-Academic First Team three times and earned All-WCC honors in both singles and doubles.

“I am super excited to be joining the coaching staff for the women’s tennis team,” Barnett said. “Since being a player at BYU, I’ve been a big fan of Holly, and she has done such an amazing job with the girls. It’s an incredible opportunity, and I’m looking forward to working with such a talented group of athletes and contributing to the program’s continued success.”

Barnett spent the 2023-24 season as a volunteer assistant coach for the men’s tennis program under head coach Zack Warren.

An Australia native, Barnett enjoyed a decorated five-year playing career in Provo. He consistently played at the top of the lineup, earning All-West Coast Conference singles second-team honors in both 2021 and 2022 and compiling 69 singles and 62 doubles victories during his career.

Barnett, who graduated in 2024 with a degree in psychology, made an immediate impact at BYU, leading as a team captain and playing a significant role in shaping a strong, winning culture.