Just like that, Sammy Brown has joined Ashton Hampton as a college football award semifinalist. On Tuesday, it was announced that Hampton is still in the running for the Jim Thorpe Award, which goes to the best defensive back in the country. As expected, Brown is among the 15 linebackers who are in contention for the Butkus Award at this stage of the season. Other Tigers teammates may join them.
Even if it has not been the greatest Clemson season known to mankind, Brown staying the course to still be up for the Butkus is a huge honor. As is the case with Hampton, and presumably the case with edge rusher extraordinaire Will Heldt, this is probably Brown's last season. All three should be taken within the first hundred picks in the 2027 NFL Draft. For Brown, this honor is all about his leadership.
On the year, Brown has 48 combined tackles, two for a loss of yardage, one sack, and a pass breakup on defense. While those are not jaw-dropping stats, Brown has been a technician all year long in the linebacking corps. His elite football instincts have allowed Jeremiah Alexander to blossom playing next to him. In a way, Brown letting his teammates get their shine over him is what this is all about.
Inbox: Clemson linebacker Sammy Brown was named one of the 15 semifinalists for the Butkus Award, given annually to the nation's best LB.
— Jackson Castellano (@jaxacastellano) October 28, 2026
Sammy Brown's linebacker skill set will seamlessly translate to the NFL
Brown may play a depreciated position in the eyes of NFL talent evaluators. However, those in the league know all too well how important it is to have a star player who can man the green dot over on defense. Brown has the makings of a defensive captain for years at the next level. His athleticism may allow him to make plays others cannot, but it is his on-field leadership that truly sets Brown apart.
As is the case with Hampton, Brown still finds ways to be productive in games where Clemson has fallen out of it. While the Butkus may favor linebackers with more impressive stats, who knows where Tom Allen's defense would be without him around? Allen entrusts Brown to make plays in his bend, but don't break the defense. Clemson is not strong in the trenches, so Brown cleans up after them.
Although there are plays within the context of every game where Brown shows everyone watching why he will likely be a top-50 pick, he is just as comfortable doing the dirty work to help get the most out of this Clemson defense. In short, there will always be a role for a player like Brown in the NFL, so long as he has his health. Brown just might be the most talented linebacker to ever star at Clemson.
For now, Brown still has a way to go to bring home the Butkus to Clemson. He faces stiff competition the rest of the way. That being said, he can still leave Clemson on his own accord, knowing he gave his all for his school and teammates every time he took the field. Brown may not be turning heads to the degree that he did a year ago, but his play, and more importantly his leadership, should translate.
If Brown brings home the Butkus, that will surely be enough to merit him becoming a first-round pick.
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