Iowa football LB Cam Buffington named Butkus Award semifinalist

Cam Buffington has been the most consistent producer for Iowa’s defense this season. He was rewarded for that consistency on Wednesday.Buffington was named a semifinalist for the Butkus Award, which is given annually to the most impactful linebacker in college football. The third-year from Winfield, Iowa, joins 14 other players as semifinalists for the award named after Hall of Fame linebacker Dick Butkus.Built different. Cam Buffington ➡️ Butkus Award Semifinalist 🏆 pic.twitter.com/tpvqiQtAf1— Hawkeye Football (@HawkeyeFootball) October 28, 2026Buffington has 62 total tackles and two sacks for the Hawkeyes this season. The 6-foot-3, 238-pound linebacker is tied with Northwestern’s Braydon Brus for the most total tackles in the Big Ten this season. He's come up huge numerous times for Phil Parker's defense, including a 15-tackle performance in a tight win over Iowa State.Buffington is the leader of a defense that’s given up the eighth-fewest points (14.3) and 14th-fewest yards (281.3) per game among all FBS teams this season. Iowa’s defense has been elite, and Buffington is a massive part of it.If he wins the Butkus Award, Buffington would join Jack Campbell as the only Hawkeyes to ever take home the hardware. Finalists for the Butkus Award will be announced on Nov. 20. The winner will be announced in early December.Contact/Follow us @HawkeyesWire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Iowa news, notes and opinions. Follow Zach on X: @zach_hineyThis article originally appeared on Hawkeyes Wire: Iowa football LB Cam Buffington named Butkus Award semifinalist