Wisconsin Badgers linebacker Mason Posa is already receiving plenty of recognition heading into his sophomore season.
On Thursday, August 12, Posa was named to the 2026 Butkus Award Watch List, putting him among the linebackers nationally considered contenders for one of college football's most prestigious defensive honors. The Butkus Award is presented annually to the nation's top linebacker.
The recognition comes after Posa put together an impressive freshman campaign in 2025. Despite making just five starts in 11 games, the Albuquerque, New Mexico, native led Wisconsin with 61 tackles. Posa added an impressive four sacks, two forced fumbles and a fumble recovery.
Posa also earned FWAA Freshman All-American honors for his performance, becoming the first Badger to receive the honor since Braelon Allen in 2021. He had several standout performances down the stretch, including 11 tackles and 2.5 sacks in Wisconsin's win against Washington in November 2025.
One of the top linebackers in college football 🙌@MasonPosa is on the Butkus Award Watch List! #OnWisconsinpic.twitter.com/ziKNhQUunn
— Wisconsin Football (@BadgerFootball) August 13, 2026
Now entering his sophomore season, Posa is expected to be a major piece of Wisconsin's defense. The Butkus Award watch list only adds to the expectations surrounding one of the Badgers' most promising young defensive stars.
If Posa can continue to build on his breakout freshman season, he could find himself firmly in the conversation for the award once the season is underway.
Contact/Follow @TheBadgersWire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Wisconsin Badgers news, notes and opinion.
This article originally appeared on Badgers Wire: Wisconsin's Mason Posa named to Butkus Award Watch List