Michigan State Linebacker Jordan Hall Named to Butkus Award Watch List

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There is a vast juxtaposition between the expectations surrounding Jordan Hall and those surrounding the Michigan State Spartans heading into the 2026 season.

While Michigan State enters the season with plenty of questions and relatively low expectations from the national media, Hall is receiving recognition as one of the nation's top linebackers.

Hall was announced as one of 51 linebackers on the 2026 Dick Butkus Award Watch List, putting the Michigan State standout among some of the best linebackers in college football.

The 2026 watch list features players from seven conferences, with the SEC leading the way with 14 selections. The Big Ten and Big 12 each have 12 players represented, while the ACC has nine. The list also includes players from the MAC, Mountain West and two independents.

Hall is the lone Michigan State representative.

Considering the expectations surrounding the Spartans, Hall's inclusion is a significant one. Despite the lack of national attention on Michigan State, Hall has quickly established himself as one of the most intriguing players on the roster.

At Big Ten Media Days, Hall showed the same personality that has made him such an inviting presence around the program. He was willing to speak with anyone who stopped by his table, carrying himself with the confidence and openness that have become part of his identity.

That presence is becoming just as noticeable on the field.

Hall broke onto the scene during the 2025 season, playing in all 12 games for Michigan State and recording a career-high 88 total tackles. While he entered the season with a reputation for his ability to rush the passer, his development into a more complete linebacker quickly became apparent.

His ability to diagnose plays, react quickly and get to the football allowed him to make an impact in multiple areas of the defense.

Hall still showcased the pass-rushing ability that made him an exciting prospect, finishing the season with 4.5 tackles for loss and 2.5 sacks.

But his biggest jump may have come in the turnover department.

Turnovers can completely change the course of a football game, and Hall began showing that he could create those opportunities himself. He forced three fumbles last season, setting a new career high, while also recovering his first collegiate fumble and recording his first career interception.

That type of all-around production is exactly what could make Hall one of the most important players on Michigan State's defense in 2026.

The Butkus Award is presented annually to the nation's top linebackers at the high school, collegiate and professional levels. The award is named after legendary linebacker Dick Butkus, a College and Pro Football Hall of Famer who spent his NFL career with the Chicago Bears. The honor recognizes not only athletic performance, but also leadership and community involvement.

For Hall, earning a spot on the watch list is only the beginning.

If he can build on his breakout 2025 season and continue developing into one of the Big Ten's premier linebackers, Hall could find himself in the conversation for one of college football's most prestigious defensive awards.

And with the 2027 NFL Draft also approaching, a monster season could significantly elevate Hall's professional prospects.

The expectations may be low for the Spartans as a team, but they are anything but low for Jordan Hall.

2026 Butkus Award Collegiate Watch List

  • Amare Campbell, Tennessee
  • Arion Carter, Tennessee
  • Austin Romaine, Texas Tech
  • Ben Roberts, Texas Tech
  • Blayne Myrick, Miami (Ohio)
  • Braylan Lovelace, Pittsburgh
  • Cade Uluave, BYU
  • Caleb Woodson, Alabama
  • Chris Cole, Georgia
  • Daniel Wingate, Maryland
  • Drayk Bowen, Notre Dame**
  • Ethan Wesloski, Oklahoma State
  • Gary Bryant, Syracuse
  • Gideon Lampron, Colorado
  • Isaiah Jones, Indiana
  • Jaxton Eck, New Mexico
  • Jayden Montgomery, Iowa
  • Jeremy Culbreath, UCF
  • John Curry, Texas Tech
  • Jonathan Thompson, Cincinnati
  • Jordan Hall, Michigan State
  • Kam Robinson, Virginia*
  • Keaton Thomas, Mississippi
  • Kip Lewis, Oklahoma
  • Kooper Ebel, Penn State
  • Kyle Efford, Georgia Tech
  • Kyngstonn Viliamu-Asa, Notre Dame
  • Liona Lefau, Colorado
  • Luke Mergot, Duke
  • Mason Posa, Wisconsin
  • Matt Rose, Stanford
  • Maverick Baranowski, Minnesota
  • Mohamed Toure, Miami
  • Myles Graham, Florida
  • Owen Chambliss, Nebraska
  • Owen Heineke, Oklahoma
  • Owen Long, Arizona State
  • Peyton Seelman, North Carolina
  • Ray Coney, Texas A&M
  • Raylen Wilson, Georgia
  • Rasheem Biles, Texas
  • Rolijah Hardy, Indiana
  • Sammy Brown, Clemson***
  • Sammy Omosigho, UCLA
  • Taye Brown, Arizona
  • TJ Dottery, LSU
  • Trey Lathan, Kansas
  • Troy Bowles, Michigan
  • Whit Weeks, LSU
  • Xavier Atkins, Auburn
  • Xe’ree Alexander, Washington

* Returning semifinalist** High school Butkus Award winner*** Returning finalist

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