In a testament to his outstanding performance on the field, University of Georgia junior inside linebacker CJ Allen has been selected as one of five finalists for the 2025 Butkus Award, an honor bestowed annually upon the nation’s top collegiate linebacker. Named after legendary NFL Hall of Famer Dick Butkus, the award recognizes not just statistical dominance but also impact, leadership, and tenacity—qualities Allen has exemplified throughout the season.
Hailing from Barnesville, Georgia, the 6-foot-1, 235-pound athlete has been a cornerstone of the Bulldogs’ defense since arriving on campus. As a highly touted recruit from Lamar County High School, where he starred on both sides of the ball—rushing for over 1,000 yards and tallying nearly 100 tackles in his senior year—Allen quickly adapted to the rigors of SEC football. Over his three-year career, he has amassed impressive totals, including 119 solo tackles, 76 assists, 4.5 sacks, one fumble recovery, and one interception. But it’s his 2025 campaign that has propelled him into the national spotlight.
Through 11 games, Allen leads the Southeastern Conference with an average of 7.8 tackles per game, totaling 78 tackles. His disruptive play includes seven tackles for loss, 3.5 sacks, two forced fumbles, and one fumble recovery, making him Georgia’s leading tackler in seven contests. Beyond the numbers, Allen has stepped up as a leader, serving as team captain five times and anchoring a Bulldogs defense that ranks among the nation’s elite in points allowed and rushing yards surrendered. His versatility—blitzing effectively while dropping into coverage—has been key in high-stakes matchups against rivals like Alabama and Texas.
This nomination marks a continuation of Georgia’s recent dominance at the linebacker position. Just last year, teammate Jalon Walker claimed the 2024 Butkus Award, highlighting the program’s prowess in developing elite defensive talent under head coach Kirby Smart. Allen’s recognition comes amid a slew of accolades: he’s also a finalist for the Lott IMPACT Trophy, which honors character and performance, and a semifinalist for both the Bednarik Award (top defensive player) and the Jason Witten Collegiate Man of the Year Award (leadership and community service). Off the field, Allen embodies the award’s spirit through community engagement, such as visiting his former schools during bye weeks to inspire young students.
Joining Allen as finalists are Aiden Fisher from Indiana, Anthony Hill Jr. from Texas, Arvell Reese from Ohio State, and Jacob Rodriguez from Texas Tech. This diverse group represents powerhouse programs across conferences, setting the stage for a competitive decision. The winner will be announced by December 10, during ESPN’s College Football Awards show.
For Georgia, Allen’s finalist status underscores the team’s defensive strength as they push toward the College Football Playoff. With a storied history of producing NFL-ready linebackers like Roquan Smith and Nakobe Dean, the Bulldogs could see Allen follow in their footsteps. As the season culminates, his impact—both tangible and inspirational—positions him as a worthy contender for one of college football’s most coveted honors.
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