Three reasons why LSU football linebacker Whit Weeks can win the Butkus Award
The linebacker turned in a breakout sophomore year in 2024. His 25 pressures and 56 stops both ranked second among SEC linebackers, and he led the Tigers with 125 tackles. Weeks also added 10 tackles for loss, six quarterback hurries, 3.5 sacks, three pass breakups, two forced fumbles, and an interception.
In his second season under defensive coordinator Blake Baker, Weeks is poised for another standout year. He's certainly a preseason contender for the Butkus Award and has a great chance to take it home with a repeat performance of last year.
Weeks' play is contingent upon his recovery from a lower-body injury sustained during the second quarter of LSU's bowl game in January. Head coach Brian Kelly pointed to a full return for Weeks by fall camp, so it appears he'll be ready to lead the Tigers' front seven.
Here are three reasons why Weeks will win the 2025 Butkus Award.
LSU DC Blake Baker has a strong history of developing linebackers
Baker built a reputation for developing talented linebackers dating back to his first stint at LSU and time at Missouri. Weeks took a large step forward from his first to his second season in Baton Rouge, thanks in large part to Baker's tutelage.
A second season in Baker's system should yield similar growth from last offseason for Weeks. Now a junior, he'll not only be playing for championships at LSU but also to increase his draft stock ahead of the 2026 NFL Draft.
Weeks' returning production is better than any SEC linebacker
Weeks is coming off a season in which he was among the SEC's top five in multiple categories. Within arguably the toughest conference in college football, he already separated himself from the competition.
With home contests against conference juggernauts Florida and South Carolina, as well as road games at Alabama and Texas A&M, Weeks will have plenty of opportunities to prove he's the best at his position.
Weeks has the talent to make splashy plays
Weeks puts himself in great positions to make standout plays. Highlight reel-worthy plays make a difference in consideration for postseason awards like the Butkus Award, and Weeks has the potential to do just that.
A former blue-chip recruit, Weeks was a four-star prospect per On3's Industry Rankings. He was No. 15 at his position and No. 149 overall in the 2023 cycle.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
USA Today
37 minutes ago
- USA Today
Arizona Diamondbacks at Detroit Tigers odds, picks and predictions
The Arizona Diamondbacks (51-55) and Detroit Tigers (61-46) begin a 3-game series Monday. First pitch from Comerica Park in Detroit is set for 6:40 p.m. Let's analyze BetMGM Sportsbook's MLB odds around the Diamondbacks vs. Tigers odds and make our expert MLB picks and predictions for the best bets. Season series: First meeting; Tigers won 2 of 3 last season The Diamondbacks opened their 9-game road trip with a rough series loss in Pittsburgh, managing just 1 run total across the 3-game set against the Pirates. They won the opener 1-0, but were shut out 2-0 Saturday and 6-0 Sunday. Arizona lost the finale as +134 underdogs as the Under (7.5) cashed. The Tigers ended their 6-game skid Sunday with a 10-4 win over the Toronto Blue Jays as -113 home favorites as the Over (8.5) cashed. Starter Jack Flaherty delivered 6 shutout innings with 7 strikeouts and 2B Gleyber Torres powered the offense, going 2-for-4 with a home run and 4 RBIs. Diamondbacks at Tigers projected starters LHP Eduardo Rodriguez vs. RHP Troy Melton Rodriguez (3-6, 5.50 ERA) is making his 18th start. He has a 1.65 WHIP, 3.3 BB/9 and 9.7 K/9 through 86 2/3 innings. Melton (0-1, 10.80 ERA) is making his second career start. The 24-year-old fourth-round draft pick (2022) was called up on July 21 Win your fantasy baseball league with For decades, BHQ has been helping players just like you win! BHQ offers full-season subscriptions. Sign up today and start winning! Diamondbacks at Tigers odds Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 12:04 a.m. ET. Diamondbacks at Tigers picks and predictions Diamondbacks 7, Tigers 5 Moneyline BET DIAMONDBACKS (+110). The Diamondbacks are in a favorable spot to take Monday's series opener in Detroit. Arizona sends Rodriguez to the mound, who's been solid on the road, allowing just 5 earned runs over his last 3 road starts (14 2/3 IP). He's coming off a strong outing, holding Houston scoreless through 6 1/3 innings. On the other side, Detroit rookie Melton makes his second career start—and first at Comerica Park—after giving up 6 earned runs in 5 innings in his debut. That home crowd pressure won't make things easier. The Tigers have dropped 7 of their last 10 games at home and enter the week struggling at the plate, hitting an MLB-worst .197 over the last 15 days. While Detroit looked better on Sunday, it's tough to trust this offense to stay hot. At plus odds, the value lies with Arizona to grab the series opener on the road. Run line/Against the spread PASS. I'm going to keep my wager to the run line. Over/Under BET OVER 9 (+100). The Over has hit in 7 of the last 8 games between the Tigers and Diamondbacks, and recent trends support more scoring Monday. The Over is 3-2-1 in Detroit's last 6 games and has cashed in 4 of Rodriguez's last 6 starts. Expect another high-scoring affair in this series opener. Play our free daily Pick'em Challenge and win! Play now! For more sports betting picks and tips, check out and BetFTW. Follow @DrewPhelps05 on Twitter/X. Follow SportsbookWire on Twitter/X and like us on Facebook.
USA Today
2 hours ago
- USA Today
Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney chimes in on if Clemson or LSU is the real Death Valley
Dabo Swinney didn't dodge the question when asked on SportsCenter at ACC Media Days about the latest jab from LSU head coach Brian Kelly. With Clemson and LSU set to square off to begin the 2025 season, the long-running debate over which school owns the title of 'Death Valley' has once again taken center stage. 'Well, I think, first of all, both programs are for real. These are two great programs. We've met a couple times over the years. Great respect for LSU,' Swinney said. 'But I think if you just Google Coach McMillian, who was the head coach at PC — you can go and do that research on your own. But all that matters is how we handle our business in Clemson, South Carolina, on August 30th. So, that's our focus. But that stuff is historical facts, so I'll let you do the research on that. You can report back. I'll be tuned in for your report. You have a homework assignment.' Swinney was referring to Lonnie McMillian, the former head coach at Presbyterian College, who famously dubbed Clemson's Memorial Stadium 'Death Valley' after a 76-0 loss to the Tigers in 1945. Each time his team made the trip to Clemson, McMillian would tell reporters, 'I'm taking my boys to Death Valley.' The nickname stuck, and the media ran with it. By the mid-1940s, Clemson had fully adopted the label. Meanwhile, LSU didn't begin calling Tiger Stadium 'Death Valley' until 1959, and the name didn't really gain national recognition until several decades later. Clemson and Presbyterian opened every season from 1930 to 1957, giving McMillian plenty of opportunities to use the now-famous phrase. Over time, it became a staple of Clemson football tradition. Now, with both programs ranked among the sport's elite, the debate over which Death Valley is the 'real' one has added fuel ahead of their highly anticipated matchup. That answer might become a little clearer on August 30, when LSU makes the trip to Memorial Stadium in Clemson to open the 2025 college football season. Contact us @Clemson_Wire on X, and like our page on Facebook for ongoing coverage of Clemson Tigers news and notes, plus opinions.
Yahoo
8 hours ago
- Yahoo
Nick Saban shares humorous response to coaching return rumor
For the first time since the rumor was shared during SEC media days, former Alabama Crimson Tide head coach Nick Saban has publicly commented on his potential interest in returning to coaching. In a recent television appearance on Fox News' Fox and Friends, Saban was asked in an interview the question as to if he would ever return to the sidelines again. Saban, in response, appeared to shut down speculation on a potential return, while also giving a humorous answer. "I never really ever had a thought about getting back into coaching, until two days ago Mrs. Terry said I had to run the sweeper in the entire downstairs," Saban said. "While running the sweeper, the thought occurred to me," When you were coaching, you had a heck of a lot better job than this. That is only time I considered it." "There is no opportunity that I know of right now, that would enhance me to go back to coaching." Saban also later added. Saban, who announced his retirement back in Jan. 2024, was the head coach at Alabama for 17 seasons from 2007-23, winning six national championships during that span. As the head coach at Alabama, Saban also compiled a 206-29 overall record, recorded 16 10-win seasons, and won nine SEC championships. Since announcing his retirement, Saban has remained around college football, most notably through his role on ESPN's weekly show "College GameDay." As to if Saban would ever return, the answer certainly appears unlikely in the near future. Contact/Follow us @RollTideWire on X, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Alabama news, notes and opinion. This article originally appeared on Roll Tide Wire: Nick Saban responds to college football coaching return rumor
