The 40th annual collegiate Butkus Award® selection process to identify the nation’s best linebacker began today with the release of the preseason watch list.

The 51 linebackers on the watch list are a nod to the famous “51” professional jersey won by the award’s namesake, the late Dick Butkus, whose dogged leadership from the middle linebacker position earned him acclaim from NFL Films as the greatest defensive player in football history.

Butkus Award nominees represent 44 colleges and universities from across the country. The list includes two returning 2023 semifinalists: Alabama’s Deontae Lawson and Iowa’s Jay Higgins. The nominee list by conference includes: Big Ten (16), SEC (12), ACC (7) and Big 12 (7), as well as nominees from four other conferences and one independent program.

Here’s a look at each Group of Five player who earned a spot on the list.

RELATED: Coaches Poll: All G5 teams that received votes for the Top 25

Andrew Simpson: Boise State – LB

Statistics 2023: 66 tackles, 16 tackles for loss, 5.5 sacks

Shae Suiaunoa: Wyoming – LB

Statistics 2023: 93 tackles, 5.5 tackles for loss

Matt Salopek: Miami (OH) – LB

Statistics 2023: 143 tackles, 8.5 tackles for loss

Colin Ramos: Navy – LB

Statistics 2023: 110 tackles, nine tackles for loss

Jason Henderson: Old Dominion – LB

Statistics 2023: 170 tackles, 19.5 tackles for loss

Jacob Dobbs: James Madison – LB

Statistics 2023: 122 tackles, five sacks

Chandler Martin: Memphis – LB

Statistics 2023: 95 tackles, 17.5 tackles for loss

Jackson Woodard: UNLV – LB

Statistics 2023: 116 tackles, nine tackles for loss