Louisville's rising defensive star just got a huge national nod

Louisville football's junior linebacker Stanquan Clark was recently named to the Butkus Award Watch List. The Louisville Cardinals have high expectations for the rising defensive star after he earned career highs in nearly every stat.

This Louisville defense has some areas of concern, but one area fans and national media are confident in is their linebackers. Clark is expected to have a significant role in 2025 after he took a massive step from his freshman season, and he is now earning recognition and being watched to win a prestigious award.

Stanquan Clark earns recognition for major award

Clark will represent the Louisville Cardinals on this list, as 39 Universities are represented. The ACC has eight linebackers being watched for this award, and Clark will now look to be the first Cardinals player to win the award.

🗣️ Butkus Award Watch List

Details: https://t.co/2X0efKCRyx #GoCards pic.twitter.com/PxFkfhNwhw
— Louisville Football (@LouisvilleFB) July 30, 2025

The returning defensive star is coming off a career year after logging 76 total tackles, 8.0 tackles for a loss, two pass deflections, two forced fumbles, and two interceptions. He was second on the team for total tackles and tackles for a loss a year ago, and he earned All-ACC honors.

Clark, being the youngest linebacker out of Antonio Watts, TJ Quinn, and himself, has many fans and experts believing the 6-foot-3, 235-pound linebacker has a chance for an even better 2025 season. He has made some All-ACC preseason teams, and Brohm has stated that Clark has had an excellent fall camp so far.

The semi-finalists will be announced on November 25, and the 41st Butkus Award winner will be announced on December 10. Last season, Georgia's linebacker Jalon Walker won the award after earning 57 total tackles, 10.5 tackles for loss, 6.5 sacks, two fumble recoveries, and a pass deflection.

For all the latest on Louisville football's offseason and recruiting, stay tuned.