The Butkus Award is given out every year to the nation’s top linebacker.

This year, there are 6 finalists for the award, the winner of which will be announced after the season.

As you can see below, 2 SEC linebackers — Nakobe Dean of Georgia and Damone Clark of LSU — are still in the running for the award:

Those 2 SEC stars will compete with Darrian Beavers of Cincinnati, Leo Chenal of Wisconsin, Devin Lloyd of Utah and Chad Muma of Wyoming.

Dean has recorded 50 tackles (7 for a loss), 4.5 sacks, 2 interceptions (1 returned for a touchdown), 2 pass breakups and a forced fumble this season.

Clark has recorded 125 tackles (11.5 for a loss), 3 sacks, 3 pass breakups, 1 interception and 2 forced fumbles for LSU in 2021.