Dec 29, 2023; Arlington, Texas, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes quarterback Lincoln Kienholz (12) tuns toward Missouri Tigers linebacker Triston Newson (14) during the fourth quarter of the Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic at AT&T Stadium. Ohio State lost 14-3. Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK

Mizzou LB Triston Newson Named to Butkus Award Watch List

Originally posted on Missouri Tigers on SI
By Michael Stamps | Last updated Jul 30, 2025 3:17 PM ET

Missouri Tigers linebacker Triston Newson was just named to the Butkus Award Watch List, an award given at the end of the season to the best linebacker in all of college football.

.@Triston500 named to Butkus Award Watch List #MIZ | #STP pic.twitter.com/3YpJI0jXcr
— Mizzou Football (@MizzouFootball) July 30, 2025

Newson recorded 71 tackles, a pass deflection, a sack and a forced fumble last season for the Tigers. He emerged as a leader on the defensive end of the ball for Missouri and will look to continue that momentum into the 2025-26 season as the team's STAR linebacker.

During his first year with the Tigers, Newson posted 51 tackles and half a sack. With low expectations for his first season, he exceeded them and put himself in the position he finds himself in now.

Newson was also one of 10 defensive players named to the East-West Shrine Bowl Watch List, along with Jalen Catalon, Daylan Carnell, Stephen Hall, Toriano Pride Jr., Zion Young, Nate Johnson, Damon Wilson II, Josiah Trotter and Chris McClellan. Five offensive players from Missouri were also included on the list.

Go to our tracker of every Missouri player included on a preseason watch list HERE.

This article first appeared on Missouri Tigers on SI and was syndicated with permission.

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