Kooper Ebel of Penn State Football Named to Butkus Award Watch List

Penn State football linebacker Kooper Ebel has been included in the Butkus Award Watch List, as announced by the Butkus Foundation on Thursday.

This award is presented annually to the best linebacker in college football. Ebel, who transferred from Iowa State, became a full-time starter in 2024, recording 69 total tackles, six tackles for loss, and one sack. In 2025, he started every game for the Cyclones, achieving 77 total tackles, one sack, one forced fumble, and three pass breakups.

Heading into 2026, Ebel is expected to play a key role in Penn State’s linebacker lineup, with his leadership on defense noted by coach Matt Campbell. He joins several other Nittany Lions on preseason watch lists, including quarterback Rocco Becht and kicker Ryan Barker.