Daniel Wingate Named to 2026 Butkus Award Watch List
8/13/2026 12:00:00 PM | Football
CHICAGO, IL -- Maryland senior linebacker Daniel Wingate has been named to the 2026 Butkus Award Watch List, announced by the Butkus Foundation on Thursday. The award recognizes the top linebacker in college football.
Wingate, a 6-foot-5, 230-pound standout from Bowie, Maryland, enters the 2026 season after back-to-back breakout campaigns in 2024 and 2025.
An Honorable Mention All-Big Ten selection in 2025, Wingate turned in one of the most productive defensive seasons in recent Maryland history. He led the Terrapins and ranked sixth in the Big Ten with 102 total tackles, becoming the first Terp to record 100 or more tackles in a season since Tre Watson's All-America campaign in 2018.
A consistent force in the middle of Maryland's defense, Wingate ranked second in the Big Ten and tied for seventh nationally with 62 solo tackles. He also totaled 6.5 tackles for loss, 1.5 sacks, one interception and two quarterback hurries. Wingate posted five double-digit tackle performances, including a career-high 14 tackles against NIU.
A St. Vincent Pallotti graduate, Wingate enters the 2026 season with a team-best 24 consecutive starts among returning defensive players.
"Every player on this watch list has earned the opportunity to compete for one of Football's highest honors," said Matt Butkus of the Butkus Foundation. "My Dad believed great linebackers changed games through preparation, toughness, intelligence, and relentless effort. Those qualities still define this Award today. Through Takes Heart, we're proud that his legacy continues to make a difference beyond football by encouraging people to take charge of their heart health through early detection and prevention."
Semifinalists for the 2026 Butkus Award will be announced on October 28th, finalists on November 20th, and the winner will be revealed during the week of December 7th. Selection is based on performance throughout the season, and appearance on the preseason watch list is not required for a player to win the Award.
The recipient will be recognized during the Butkus Award celebration in early 2027 and featured in the annual Big Ten Network Butkus Award special.
