OU Football Watch List Tracker: Kip Lewis, Sammy Omosigho make Butkus Award list

With the media days experience in the rearview mirror, the next indicator of a new season is the annual release of preseason watch lists for various national awards across the college football landscape and where OU football stands. 

On Wednesday, redshirt junior Kip Lewis and junior Sammy Omosigho were amongst the 51 linebackers named to the Butkus Award watch list, presented annually to the nation’s best linebacker.

It’s Lewis’ second preseason watch list nomination following a productive third season in Norman in which he totaled 65 tackles, four tackles for loss and two interceptions.

Omosigho returns to the fold looking to make much grander contributions following a 39-tackle and five-tackles for loss sophomore campaign in 2024.

Oklahoma players reported Wednesday with the first preseason practice on Thursday.

Maxwell Award (outstanding player) 

QB John Mateer, RB Jaydn Ott 

The duo arrives in Norman as premier portal hauls for the Sooners and first-year offensive coordinator Ben Arbuckle.

Mateer led the country with 44 touchdowns last season at Washington State, throwing for 3,139 yards and 29 touchdowns with 15 more via the ground.

Ott lands in the crimson and cream after transferring from Cal where he starred the past three seasons, including a 2023 campaign in which he rushed for 1,315 yards and 12 touchdowns, earning first team All-Pac 12 honors by the league’s coaches and media. Ott was limited in 2024 while battling injury but is expected to be an explosive addition in the Sooners backfield. 

Former winners: Jason White (2004), Baker Mayfield (2017), Tommy McDonald (1956)

Bronko Nagurski Trophy (defensive player of the year)

LB Kip Lewis

Redshirt junior linebacker Kip Lewis was one of 60 players named to the Bronko Nagurski Trophy Preseason Watch List. The Nagurski Trophy is awarded annually to the national defensive player of the year in college football as voted by the Football Writers Association of America.

Lewis enjoyed a breakout season in 2024, playing in all 13 games (12 starts) alongside fourth-round draft pick Danny Stutsman, totaling 65 tackles, four tackles for loss and two interceptions. Both interceptions were returned for touchdowns, including a game-winning fourth quarter pick-six at Auburn securing the Sooners first Southeastern Conference victory on the Plains.

Former winners: Roy Williams (2001), Derrick Strait (2003) 

Outland Trophy (best interior lineman) 

No Sooners named to the Outland Trophy Watch List

Former winners: Jammal Brown (2004), Greg Roberts (1978), Lee Roy Selmon (1975), J.D. Roberts (1953), Jim Weatherall (1951)  

Butkus Award (top linebacker) 

LB Kip Lewis, LB Sammy Omosigho

Former winners: Rocky Calmus (2001), Teddy Lehman (2003), Brian Bosworth (1985, 1986)

Paycom Jim Thorpe Award (best defensive back) 

No Sooners on the Jim Thorpe Award Watch List

Former winners: Roy Williams (2001), Derrick Strait (2003), Rickey Dixon (1987) 

Allstate Wuerffel Trophy (community service) 

Watch list announced Thursday, July 31 

Former winners: Gabe Ikard (2013), Ty Darlington (2015) 

Paul Hornung Award (most versatile player) 

Watch list announced Thursday, July 31

Lou Groza Collegiate Place-Kicker Award

Watch list announced Friday, Aug. 1

Ray Guy Award (top punter) 

Watch list announced Friday, Aug. 1

Walter Camp Player of the Year 

Watch list announced Monday, Aug. 4

Former winners: Josh Heupel (2000) 

Doak Walker Award (top running back) 

Watch list announced Tuesday, Aug. 5

Biltenikoff Award (top receiver) 

Watch list announced Wednesday, Aug. 6

Former winners: Dede Westbrook (2016) 

Davey O’Brien National Quarterback Award 

Watch list announced Thursday, Aug. 7

Former winners: Billy Simms (1978), Jason White (2003, 2004), Sam Bradford (2008), Baker Mayfield (2017), Kyler Murray (2018) 

John Mackey Award (outstanding tight end) 

Watch list announced Friday, Aug. 8

Former winners: Mark Andrews (2017)

Rimington Award (top offensive center) 

Watch list announced Friday, Aug. 8

Chuck Bednarik Award (outstanding defensive player) 

Watch list announced Monday, Aug. 11

Former winners: Teddy Lehman (2003) 

Lombardi Award (outstanding lineman) 

Watch list announced in August 

Former winners: Tommie Harris (2003), Tony Casillas (1985), Lee Roy Selmon (1975)

Walter Camp Award 

Watch list announced in August

Former winners: Baker Mayfield (2017), Josh Heupel (2000), Billy Simms (1978), Steve Owens (1969), Jerry Tubbs (1956)