Iowa’s Jack Campbell, City High’s Ben Kueter named finalists for Butkus Award

Campbell, Kueter vying to make history

Nov. 22, 2022 1:24 pm

Iowa Hawkeyes linebacker Jack Campbell (31) during a game between the Iowa Hawkeyes and the Northwestern Wildcats at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City, Iowa on Saturday, Oct. 29, 2022. The Hawkeyes defeated the Wildcats 33-13. (Nick Rohlman/The Gazette)

City’s Ben Kueter (32) carries the ball during the Clash at Kinnick season opening game between Iowa City Liberty and Iowa City High in Iowa City, Iowa on Friday, Aug. 26, 2022. The two teams played their season opening game at the University of Iowa’s Kinnick Stadium. Liberty defeated City 36-19. (Nick Rohlman/The Gazette)

IOWA CITY — Iowa’s Jack Campbell is a finalist for the collegiate Butkus Award and Iowa City High’s Ben Kueter is a finalist for the high school Butkus Award.

The Butkus Award honors the top linebackers at the high school, collegiate and professional levels.

Campbell and Kueter are one of five finalists at their respective levels. The winners are expected to be announced on or before Dec. 7, according to the news release.

“The five finalists embody the toughness, grit, football temperament and playmaking ability that the Butkus Award seeks to recognize,” said Dick Butkus, the namesake of the award, in the news release. “There are many very deserving candidates. These linebackers represent the most exceptional and have very bright futures ahead.”

The Hawkeyes have never had a Butkus Award winner, and the state of Iowa has never had a high school winner of the award.

Campbell is tied for the Big Ten lead with 109 tackles through 11 games and has been a leader on a defense that ranks among the best in the country in several key statistics. Kueter is committed to Iowa as a linebacker and wrestler.

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