COLLEGE PARK, MD — The Butkus Foundation today unveiled the preseason watch list for the 41st annual collegiate Butkus Award®, given to the nation's top linebacker. Among the 51 elite candidates is Maryland junior linebacker Daniel Wingate.

Wingate, a 6‑foot‑5, 230‑pound standout from Bowie, Maryland, enters the upcoming season after a breakout sophomore campaign in 2024. He ranked third on the team with 50 tackles and tied for third on the squad with 6.5 TFLs a season ago. Wingate recorded a career-high seven tackles and career-high 2.0 TFLs against Rutgers and he logged six tackles at Oregon.

A St. Vincent Pallotti product, Wingate has played in 23 games for the Terps through his first two seasons.  

The Butkus Award watch list is comprised of 51 linebackers from 39 schools nationwide, honoring the legendary No. 51 jersey worn by Dick Butkus during his Hall of Fame career. Candidates will be narrowed to semifinalists on November 4, finalists on November 25, and the winner will be announced by December 10, with the presentation set to take place on University of Illinois' campus in early 2026.