The North Carolina Tar Heels reshaped a good portion of their football roster through the transfer portal , including nine likely starters on defense.
One of those nine starters recently earned preseason honors, ranking him amongst the best at his position across college football.
Andrew Simpson , who transferred to UNC from Boise State in May, was recently named to the Butkus Award Preseason Watch List . This award, won by former Georgia standout Jalon Walker in 2024, is given annually to the nation's top linebacker.
The Butkus Award semifinalists will then be announced November 4, finalists on Nov. 25 and the winner on Dec. 10.
Simpson comes from a Broncos squad that made its College Football Playoff debut in December, losing 31-14 against Penn State in the quarterfinal round. Simpson totaled 140 tackles (94 solo), 12.5 sacks, five forces fumbles and three interceptions across his three years as a Bronco, including a career-best three forced fumbles in 2024.
Now at North Carolina, Simpson will likely take over the starting middle linebacker spot previously occupied by Amare Campbell . The Tar Heels know how to produce linebackers in recent years, with names like Cedric Gray and Power Echols shining on their otherwise-lacking defensive unit.
Simpson won't be the only newbie amongst UNC's linebacking corps, with Washington transfer Khmori House and Nebraska transfer Mikai Gbayor also coming to Chapel Hill. Simpson will now be guided by defensive coordinator Steve Belichick , who left Washington for North Carolina upon Bill Belichick's head coaching announcement.
Ahead of a season with plenty of unfamiliar players, it's nice to see new Tar Heels getting preseason recognition. Winning the Butkus Award would be a nice cap to Simpson's collegiate career, but I imagine he'd rather help North Carolina reach greater team heights.
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This article originally appeared on Tar Heels Wire: UNC linebacker Andrew Simpson named to Butkus Award Watch List
