3 reasons why LSU football linebacker Whit Weeks can win Butkus Award

Whit Weeks returns to LSU football for a highly anticipated third season.

The linebacker turned in a breakout sophomore year in 2024. His 25 pressures and 56 stops both ranked second among SEC linebackers, and he led the Tigers with 125 tackles. Weeks also added 10 tackles for loss, six quarterback hurries, 3.5 sacks, three pass breakups, two forced fumbles, and an interception.

In his second season under defensive coordinator Blake Baker, Weeks is poised for another standout year. He’s certainly a preseason contender for the Butkus Award and has a great chance to take it home with a repeat performance of last year.

Weeks’ play is contingent upon his recovery from a lower-body injury sustained during the second quarter of LSU’s bowl game in January. Head coach Brian Kelly pointed to a full return for Weeks by fall camp, so it appears he’ll be ready to lead the Tigers’ front seven.

Here are three reasons why Weeks will win the 2025 Butkus Award.

LSU DC Blake Baker has a strong history of developing linebackers

Baker built a reputation for developing talented linebackers dating back to his first stint at LSU and time at Missouri. Weeks took a large step forward from his first to his second season in Baton Rouge, thanks in large part to Baker’s tutelage.

A second season in Baker’s system should yield similar growth from last offseason for Weeks. Now a junior, he’ll not only be playing for championships at LSU but also to increase his draft stock ahead of the 2026 NFL Draft.

Weeks’ returning production is better than any SEC linebacker

Weeks is coming off a season in which he was among the SEC’s top five in multiple categories. Within arguably the toughest conference in college football, he already separated himself from the competition.

With home contests against conference juggernauts Florida and South Carolina, as well as road games at Alabama and Texas A&M, Weeks will have plenty of opportunities to prove he’s the best at his position.

Weeks has the talent to make splashy plays

Weeks puts himself in great positions to make standout plays. Highlight reel-worthy plays make a difference in consideration for postseason awards like the Butkus Award, and Weeks has the potential to do just that.

A former blue-chip recruit, Weeks was a four-star prospect per On3’s Industry Rankings. He was No. 15 at his position and No. 149 overall in the 2023 cycle.