Rasheem Biles Emerges as Butkus Award Contender for Texas

Rasheem Biles isn't just making tackles for the Texas Longhorns. He's making a serious case to be recognized as one of the best linebackers in college football.

The senior defensive standout was named one of 15 semifinalists for the 2026 Butkus Award on Wednesday, putting him in contention for one of the sport's most prestigious individual honors.

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And considering what Biles has accomplished through seven games, it's hard to argue with his selection.

The Columbus, Ohio, native leads No. 11 Texas with three interceptions and seven quarterback hurries while ranking second on the team with 53 tackles and 5.5 tackles for loss. He's also recorded three pass breakups, one sack and a forced fumble.

His three interceptions rank third in the SEC and 12th nationally, impressive numbers for a player whose primary responsibility isn't patrolling the secondary.

But Biles' impact goes well beyond the stat sheet.

In Saturday's 34-27 victory over No. 7 Ole Miss, he delivered one of the game's defining defensive plays, intercepting a fourth-down pass at the Texas 2-yard line with 1:37 remaining in the first half.

The turnover preserved a commanding 24-3 Longhorns lead and denied the Rebels a potentially momentum-changing touchdown.

Biles finished with four tackles, an interception, two pass breakups and four quarterback pressures, earning SEC Co-Defensive Player of the Week honors for the second time this season.

His earlier performances were equally impressive.

Against Tennessee, Biles recorded 13 tackles, two tackles for loss and a sack. He followed with 12 tackles and two tackles for loss against Oklahoma in the Red River Rivalry.

Those performances have helped establish Texas as one of the nation's toughest defensive teams.

The Longhorns rank 15th nationally in total defense, allowing just 285.4 yards per game. They're surrendering 178.1 passing yards, 107.3 rushing yards and 19.1 points per contest.

For Texas, Biles' recognition continues an impressive tradition at linebacker.

Anthony Hill Jr. reached the Butkus Award finalist stage last season, while former Longhorns star Derrick Johnson captured the award in 2004.

The award itself carries special significance. Named for legendary Chicago Bears linebacker Dick Butkus, it recognizes the nation's most outstanding player at the position.

Biles faces plenty of competition, including Tennessee's Arion Carter, Georgia's Chris Cole and Texas Tech's Ben Roberts.

The field will be narrowed to finalists November 20, with the winner announced during the week of December 7.

For now, Biles has another immediate challenge.

Texas hosts Mississippi State on Saturday, October 31, with kickoff scheduled for 6:30 p.m. CT at DKR-Texas Memorial Stadium. ESPN will televise the matchup.

The Longhorns are chasing another SEC victory and keeping their championship ambitions alive.

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And with Biles anchoring the defense, Texas has a proven playmaker capable of changing a game with one snap.

The Butkus voters have clearly noticed.