University Southern California Trojans
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USC Linebacker Eric Gentry Named to 2025 Butkus Award Watch List
July 30, 2025 | Football
LOS ANGELES – USC linebacker Eric Gentry was named to the 2025 Butkus Award Watch List, today (July 30). The Butkus Award is presented annually to the nation's top collegiate linebacker.
Gentry, with his unique frame as a 6-6 inside linebacker, returns to compete in his final season in 2025. In his four-year career (1 season at Arizona State and 3 seasons at USC), he has collected 195 tackles, including 19.5 for loss (with 6 sacks), 10 PBUs, 3 QB hurries, 3 forced fumbles, 2 INTs and 1 blocked kick while appearing in 39 games with 17 starts.
In 2024, he saw action in 5 games (LSU, Utah State, Michigan, Wisconsin and the Las Vegas Bowl against Texas A&M) at linebacker as a senior. He tallied 33 tackles, including 6.5 for loss of 17 yards (with 2 sacks for minus 11 yards). He also recorded 1 PBU and 1 fumble recovery. He was sidelined after the first 4 games of the season games due to injury, but was able to redshirt. He returned to play in the bowl game at the end of the season.
The 51-player watch list pays tribute to Dick Butkus' iconic No. 51 jersey worn during his Hall of Fame career.
Award semi-finalists will be named Nov. 4, finalists Nov. 25 and the winner revealed by Dec. 10. Appearing on the watch list is not a requirement to win the award. The 2025 winner will be honored at a ceremony at the University of Illinois' Memorial Stadium in early 2026 which will be featured on a Big Ten Network special.
The 51-member selection committee, comprised of coaches, scouts and journalists, evaluates candidates based on the qualities that defined Butkus' career: toughness, leadership, competitiveness, football character and traditional linebacking skills.
Gentry, with his unique frame as a 6-6 inside linebacker, returns to compete in his final season in 2025. In his four-year career (1 season at Arizona State and 3 seasons at USC), he has collected 195 tackles, including 19.5 for loss (with 6 sacks), 10 PBUs, 3 QB hurries, 3 forced fumbles, 2 INTs and 1 blocked kick while appearing in 39 games with 17 starts.
In 2024, he saw action in 5 games (LSU, Utah State, Michigan, Wisconsin and the Las Vegas Bowl against Texas A&M) at linebacker as a senior. He tallied 33 tackles, including 6.5 for loss of 17 yards (with 2 sacks for minus 11 yards). He also recorded 1 PBU and 1 fumble recovery. He was sidelined after the first 4 games of the season games due to injury, but was able to redshirt. He returned to play in the bowl game at the end of the season.
The 51-player watch list pays tribute to Dick Butkus' iconic No. 51 jersey worn during his Hall of Fame career.
Award semi-finalists will be named Nov. 4, finalists Nov. 25 and the winner revealed by Dec. 10. Appearing on the watch list is not a requirement to win the award. The 2025 winner will be honored at a ceremony at the University of Illinois' Memorial Stadium in early 2026 which will be featured on a Big Ten Network special.
The 51-member selection committee, comprised of coaches, scouts and journalists, evaluates candidates based on the qualities that defined Butkus' career: toughness, leadership, competitiveness, football character and traditional linebacking skills.
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