Jack Campbell becomes Iowa’s first winner of Butkus Award

IOWA CITY — Jack Campbell’s historic level of success at Iowa is now resulting in a historic level of accolades.

Campbell became the first Iowa player to win the Butkus Award, which goes to the best linebacker in college football.

“Jack Campbell is a tough, smart, consistent football player and exceptional leader,” the selection committee said in a statement. “When the Hawkeyes needed a spark, he found ways to make big plays and elevated the performance of everyone around him.”

Josey Jewell and Chad Greenway were semifinalists, and Larry Station was a runner-up. But no Hawkeye linebacker has done what Campbell has done.

The Cedar Falls native already earned Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year from the conference last week and from the Associated Press this week.

He also became Iowa’s first recipient of the William V. Campbell Trophy, which recognizes excellence in athletics, academics and leadership.

Campbell has led Iowa in tackles in the last two seasons. He also had two interceptions, a forced fumble, fumble recovery and 3.5 tackles for loss in 2022.

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