Butkus Award, which honors the nation’s best linebacker, was presented to Georgia’s Jalon Walker on Wednesday.

University of Georgia junior Jalon Walker, former Salisbury High standout, has been named the college winner of the Butkus Award that goes to the nation’s top linebacker. Butkus Awards also are given for high school and the NFL.

Georgia football linebacker Jalon Walker has been named the winner of the 2024 Butkus Award, The Butkus Foundation has announced.

Georgia inside linebacker Jalon Walker (11) during Georgia’s game against Texas in the 2024 SEC Championship at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Ga., on Saturday, Dec. 7, 2024. Walker became the third linebacker in eight years to win the Butkus Award on Wednesday. Photo/Tony Walsh/UGAAA

Walker named Butkus Award winner Junior Linebacker Jalon Walker has been named the nation’s best linebacker, becoming the third Georgia Bulldog to win the Butkus Award since 2017, joining Roquan Smith and Nakobe Dean.

Georgia football linebacker Jalon Walker has won the 2024 Butkus Award for nation's best linebacker over Clemson's Barrett Carter, Ole Miss' Chris Paul Jr., UCLA's Carson Scwesinger and Oklahoma's Danny Stutsman.

The 40th annual collegiate Butkus Award® honoring the nation’s best collegiate linebacker was presented today to Georgia linebacker Jalon Walker. The award was presented formally during a surprise appearance by Matt Butkus,