PISCATAWAY, N.J. – Rutgers football LB Mohamed Toure earned a spot on the Butkus Award watch list, the Butkus Foundation announced Tuesday. The award is presented annually to the nation's best linebacker.

Toure returned to the field after missing the 2022 season to play all 13 games and rank second on the defense with 93 tackles, including a team-high 9.5 for loss and 4.5 sacks. He posted a career-high 11 stops versus Maryland and had an interception against Ohio State.

The linebacker from Pleasantville, New Jersey, was named as a Comeback Player of the Year semifinalist, earned honorable mention All-Big Ten recognition in the coaches and media votes and rated as the No. 7 linebacker in the Big Ten by Pro Football Focus. He was previously named this summer to the Shine Bowl 1000 and selected preseason All-Big Ten second team by both Athlon Sports and Phil Steele.

Toure enters 2024 with 37 games of collegiate experience, totaling 168 tackles with 22.5 for loss and 13.5 sacks. He has forced three fumbles, broke up three passes, collected two interceptions and recovered a fumble so far.

Semifinalists for the Butkus Award will be announced Nov. 4. The award has been presented since 1985 in honoring Hall of Famer Dick Butkus.


Rutgers on Preseason Watch Lists
Butkus Award: LB Mohamed Toure
Comeback Player of the Year: LB Tyreem Powell
Doak Walker Award: RB Kyle Monangai
Mannelly Award: LS Austin Riggs
Maxwell Award: RB Kyle Monangai

Rutgers opens the season Thursday, Aug. 29 at SHI Stadium versus Howard. Season and individual game tickets are on sale. To purchase, visit ScarletKnights.com/tickets or call 866-445-GORU (4678). Benefits to being a season ticket holder include an exclusive opportunity to purchase season parking within walking distance on Busch campus, a payment plan option and other Rutgers ticket offers throughout the year. Purchasing season tickets directly supports student-athletes.

2024 Rutgers Football Schedule
Thursday, Aug. 29 (6 p.m., Big Ten Network) vs. Howard (Youth Football Night)
Saturday, Sept. 7 (Noon, Big Ten Network) vs. Akron (R Community Game)
Saturday, Sept. 21 at Virginia Tech
Friday, Sept. 27 (8 p.m., FOX) vs. Washington* (Blackout)
Saturday, Oct. 5 (Noon, 3:30 p.m. or 4 p.m.) at Nebraska*
Saturday, Oct. 12 vs. Wisconsin* (Scarlet Out)
Saturday, Oct. 19 (Noon, 3:30 p.m. or 4 p.m.) vs. UCLA* (Homecoming & Family Weekend)
Friday, Oct. 25 (11 p.m., FOX) at USC*
Saturday, Nov. 9 vs. Minnesota* (Military Appreciation)
Saturday, Nov. 16 at Maryland*
Saturday, Nov. 23 vs. Illinois* (Senior Day/Thank You Fans)
Saturday, Nov. 30 at Michigan State*
* - Big Ten game
All times Eastern

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