Maryland's senior linebacker Daniel Wingate has been named to the 2026 Butkus Award Watch List, an honor recognizing the nation's top college football linebacker. The 6-foot-5, 230-pound athlete from Bowie, Maryland enters the season following two strong seasons, where he demonstrated consistency and leadership on defense. Wingate achieved a remarkable milestone in 2025, leading the Terrapins with 102 tackles, becoming the first Maryland player since 2018 to surpass the 100-tackle mark. He also ranked second in the Big Ten for solo tackles and showcased his all-around capabilities with additional stats including tackles for loss and interceptions.

By the Numbers
  • 102 total tackles in 2025, ranking sixth in the Big Ten.
  • 62 solo tackles, placing second in the Big Ten and seventh nationally.
  • 5 double-digit tackle games, including a high of 14 against NIU.
Yes, But

Appearance on the watch list does not guarantee selection as a semifinalist or finalist, as actual performances throughout the season are the primary criteria for the award.

State of Play
  • Semifinalists will be announced on October 28, 2026.
  • Finalists will be revealed on November 20, 2026, with the winner declared the week of December 7, 2026.
What's Next

As the season progresses, Wingate's performance will be closely monitored, impacting his chances of being recognized as a semifinalist and finalist for the Butkus Award.

Bottom Line

Daniel Wingate's inclusion on the 2026 Butkus Award Watch List underscores his significant impact on Maryland's defense and sets high expectations for his performance in the upcoming season.