Texas LB Anthony Hill Jr. Snubbed from Butkus Award Finalists: A Case for His Inclusion
The Butkus Award, given annually to the best linebacker in college football, has long been one of the sport’s most prestigious individual honors. Over the years, the award has gone to many legendary players who have left a mark on the gridiron, showcasing not only their physical prowess but also their intelligence, leadership, and ability to impact games. So, when Texas linebacker Anthony Hill Jr. was notably absent from the list of Butkus Award finalists in 2024, many were left scratching their heads. Hill’s exclusion from this prestigious list has sparked conversations and raised questions about how the finalists are selected and whether Hill’s remarkable season merits consideration for one of college football’s top individual honors. Hi
Anthony Hill Jr., a sophomore linebacker for the Texas Longhorns, has enjoyed a breakout season in 2024. Coming off a solid freshman campaign in 2023, Hill has elevated his play to new heights this year, establishing himself as one of the most dominant defensive players in the country. With his rare combination of speed, strength, and football IQ, Hill has been the cornerstone of Texas’ defense, helping the team position itself as a legitimate contender for the College Football Playoff.
Hill’s performances this season have been nothing short of spectacular. As of mid-November, he has racked up impressive numbers, including double-digit tackles in several games, multiple sacks, and key interceptions. His ability to read plays and adjust on the fly has made him a headache for opposing offenses, while his tenacity and leadership have earned him respect in the locker room and among fans.
The Longhorns’ defense, which has been one of the most efficient in the nation this season, owes much of its success to Hill’s contributions. His presence on the field has been instrumental in shutting down some of the top offenses in the Big 12 and beyond, making him a key player on one of college football’s most feared defensive units.
Given Hill’s stellar play, it came as a shock to many when he was left off the list of Butkus Award finalists in 2024. The finalists for the award typically include a mix of well-known, high-performing players, but Hill’s absence from the list raised eyebrows, especially considering his dominance and consistency over the course of the season.
The snub was particularly surprising given that Hill has had to compete in one of the toughest conferences in college football, the Big 12, which has been home to many potent offenses. In games against top-ranked teams, Hill’s ability to disrupt plays and make game-changing tackles has been a defining feature of his performance. His exclusion from the Butkus finalists suggests that there may be an underlying issue with the way the award is being evaluated, or possibly a bias toward players from more traditional football powerhouses.
There are several reasons why Hill should have been considered for the Butkus Award finalists. First and foremost is his statistical output. Over the course of the 2024 season, Hill has consistently been among the top linebackers in the country in both tackles and sacks. His ability to impact both the passing and rushing game has made him a complete player, excelling in all facets of linebacker play. In addition to his raw numbers, Hill has been a game-changer in high-pressure moments, with clutch performances against top-ranked teams and in crucial matchups that could define Texas’ season.
Moreover, Hill’s leadership and presence on the field have been critical to Texas’ success. Linebackers are often seen as the “quarterbacks” of the defense, and Hill has excelled in this role. His ability to read offenses and communicate effectively with his teammates has made him a key player in Texas’ defensive schemes. His work ethic and discipline are also well-documented, and Hill is often seen mentoring younger players, helping to elevate the entire team’s defensive unit.
Furthermore, the competition for the Butkus Award this year is undoubtedly fierce, but Hill’s resume stands up to the best in the country. While the finalists include some outstanding players, Hill’s play in critical moments for a playoff-contending team should have earned him a place on the shortlist.
Hill’s exclusion from the Butkus Award finalists raises a broader question about the selection process for individual awards in college football. Historically, players from the most high-profile programs often have an edge when it comes to earning postseason accolades. This bias toward players from perennial powerhouses can sometimes overshadow the achievements of players like Hill, who may not have the same level of national exposure but have been just as dominant on the field.
In Hill’s case, it could be argued that his exclusion from the list is emblematic of this trend. While Texas has been a top-tier program for decades, it has not been a consistent force in recent years, and players like Hill often get overlooked in favor of more “marketable” names from teams like Alabama, Georgia, or Ohio State. This is not to take anything away from the talented players who did make the finalists list, but it does raise concerns about how the award process may undervalue players from schools that are rebuilding or in the midst of a resurgence.
Anthony Hill Jr.’s exclusion from the Butkus Award finalists is a curious and contentious decision, one that deserves further scrutiny. Hill has been one of the most consistent and impactful linebackers in college football this season, and his performance for Texas should have earned him a spot among the finalists. His absence from the list highlights a larger issue with the way individual awards are decided in college football, where factors beyond on-field performance sometimes come into play. Regardless of the snub, Hill’s stellar season has already solidified his status as one of the best linebackers in the nation, and his future in the game looks incredibly bright.