About Our Ads Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Senior captain and linebacker Drayk Bowen has been one of US LBM Coaches Poll No. 6 Notre Dame 's unquestioned leaders this season.
It's a reason why on Wednesday, Bowen was named a semifinalist for the Butkus Award . It's an award that celebrates the nation's top linebacker.
Bowen – an Indiana Mr. Football recipient – is already a recipient of the high school version of the Butkus Award, an honor bestowed upon him in 2022 when he played for Andrean High School (IN).
Oct 17, 2026; Provo, Utah, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish running back Jonaz Walton (20) reacts after scoring a touchdown against the Brigham Young Cougars during the second half at LaVell Edwards Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rob Gray-Imagn Images (Rob Gray, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect) Brigham Young Cougars cornerback Therrian Alexander III runs against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish during the second half at LaVell Edwards Stadium. (Rob Gray, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect) Oct 17, 2026; Provo, Utah, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish running back Jonaz Walton (20) runs for a two-point conversion against the Brigham Young Cougars during the second half at LaVell Edwards Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rob Gray-Imagn Images (Rob Gray, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect) Brigham Young Cougars tight end Walker Lyons makes a catch to score a touchdown against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish during the second half at LaVell Edwards Stadium. (Rob Gray, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect) Micah Gilbert of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish looses a pass during the first half of their game against the Brigham Young Cougars at LaVell Edwards Stadium on October 17, 2026 in Provo, Utah. (Chris Gardner, Getty Images) A Notre Dame Fighting Irish cheerleader holds a sign during the second half against the Brigham Young Cougars at Allegiant Stadium. (Lucas Peltier, USA TODAY Sports) Preston Rex of the Brigham Young Cougars is chased by Leonard Moore and Luke Talich of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish during the first half of their game at LaVell Edwards Stadium on October 17, 2026 in Provo, Utah. (Chris Gardner, Getty Images) Oct 17, 2026; Provo, Utah, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish cheerleaders perform before the game against the Brigham Young Cougars at LaVell Edwards Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rob Gray-Imagn Images (Rob Gray, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect) Oct 17, 2026; Provo, Utah, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish head coach Marcus Freeman reacts during the first half against the Brigham Young Cougars at LaVell Edwards Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rob Gray-Imagn Images (Rob Gray, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect) Oct 17, 2026; Provo, Utah, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish quarterback CJ Carr (13) passes against the Brigham Young Cougars during the second half at LaVell Edwards Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rob Gray-Imagn Images (Rob Gray, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect) Oct 17, 2026; Provo, Utah, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish quarterback CJ Carr (13) passes against the Brigham Young Cougars during the first half at LaVell Edwards Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rob Gray-Imagn Images (Rob Gray, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect) Oct 17, 2026; Provo, Utah, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish head coach Marcus Freeman reacts during the first half against the Brigham Young Cougars at LaVell Edwards Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rob Gray-Imagn Images (Rob Gray, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect) Oct 17, 2026; Provo, Utah, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish quarterback CJ Carr (13) passes against the Brigham Young Cougars during the first half at LaVell Edwards Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rob Gray-Imagn Images (Rob Gray, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect) Oct 17, 2026; Provo, Utah, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish quarterback CJ Carr (13) passes against the Brigham Young Cougars during the first half at LaVell Edwards Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rob Gray-Imagn Images (Rob Gray, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect) Oct 17, 2026; Provo, Utah, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish quarterback CJ Carr (13) warms up before the game against the Brigham Young Cougars at LaVell Edwards Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rob Gray-Imagn Images (Rob Gray, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect) Oct 17, 2026; Provo, Utah, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish wide receiver Jaden Greathouse (1) runs against the Brigham Young Cougars during the second half at LaVell Edwards Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rob Gray-Imagn Images (Rob Gray, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect) Oct 17, 2026; Provo, Utah, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish running back Aneyas Williams (22) runs against the Brigham Young Cougars during the second half at LaVell Edwards Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rob Gray-Imagn Images (Rob Gray, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect) Oct 17, 2026; Provo, Utah, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish running back Nolan James Jr. (2) runs against the Brigham Young Cougars during the second half at LaVell Edwards Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rob Gray-Imagn Images (Rob Gray, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect) Oct 17, 2026; Provo, Utah, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish wide receiver Micah Gilbert (14) can't make a catch against the Brigham Young Cougars during the first half at LaVell Edwards Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rob Gray-Imagn Images (Rob Gray, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect) Oct 17, 2026; Provo, Utah, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish quarterback CJ Carr (13) passes against Brigham Young Cougars linebacker Cade Uluave (4) during the first half at LaVell Edwards Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rob Gray-Imagn Images (Rob Gray, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect) Oct 17, 2026; Provo, Utah, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish head coach Marcus Freeman looks on during the first half against the Brigham Young Cougars at LaVell Edwards Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rob Gray-Imagn Images (Rob Gray, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect) 1 / 21 See photos from Notre Dame's loss to BYU Oct 17, 2026; Provo, Utah, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish running back Jonaz Walton (20) reacts after scoring a touchdown against the Brigham Young Cougars during the second half at LaVell Edwards Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rob Gray-Imagn Images (Rob Gray, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect) 1 / 21 See photos from Notre Dame's loss to BYU Oct 17, 2026; Provo, Utah, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish running back Jonaz Walton (20) reacts after scoring a touchdown against the Brigham Young Cougars during the second half at LaVell Edwards Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rob Gray-Imagn Images (Rob Gray, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect) 2 / 21 See photos from Notre Dame's loss to BYU Brigham Young Cougars cornerback Therrian Alexander III runs against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish during the second half at LaVell Edwards Stadium. (Rob Gray, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect) 3 / 21 See photos from Notre Dame's loss to BYU Oct 17, 2026; Provo, Utah, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish running back Jonaz Walton (20) runs for a two-point conversion against the Brigham Young Cougars during the second half at LaVell Edwards Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rob Gray-Imagn Images (Rob Gray, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect) 4 / 21 See photos from Notre Dame's loss to BYU Brigham Young Cougars tight end Walker Lyons makes a catch to score a touchdown against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish during the second half at LaVell Edwards Stadium. (Rob Gray, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect) 5 / 21 See photos from Notre Dame's loss to BYU Micah Gilbert of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish looses a pass during the first half of their game against the Brigham Young Cougars at LaVell Edwards Stadium on October 17, 2026 in Provo, Utah. (Chris Gardner, Getty Images) 6 / 21 See photos from Notre Dame's loss to BYU A Notre Dame Fighting Irish cheerleader holds a sign during the second half against the Brigham Young Cougars at Allegiant Stadium. (Lucas Peltier, USA TODAY Sports) 7 / 21 See photos from Notre Dame's loss to BYU Preston Rex of the Brigham Young Cougars is chased by Leonard Moore and Luke Talich of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish during the first half of their game at LaVell Edwards Stadium on October 17, 2026 in Provo, Utah. (Chris Gardner, Getty Images) 8 / 21 See photos from Notre Dame's loss to BYU Oct 17, 2026; Provo, Utah, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish cheerleaders perform before the game against the Brigham Young Cougars at LaVell Edwards Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rob Gray-Imagn Images (Rob Gray, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect) 9 / 21 See photos from Notre Dame's loss to BYU Oct 17, 2026; Provo, Utah, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish head coach Marcus Freeman reacts during the first half against the Brigham Young Cougars at LaVell Edwards Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rob Gray-Imagn Images (Rob Gray, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect) 10 / 21 See photos from Notre Dame's loss to BYU Oct 17, 2026; Provo, Utah, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish quarterback CJ Carr (13) passes against the Brigham Young Cougars during the second half at LaVell Edwards Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rob Gray-Imagn Images (Rob Gray, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect) 11 / 21 See photos from Notre Dame's loss to BYU Oct 17, 2026; Provo, Utah, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish quarterback CJ Carr (13) passes against the Brigham Young Cougars during the first half at LaVell Edwards Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rob Gray-Imagn Images (Rob Gray, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect) 12 / 21 See photos from Notre Dame's loss to BYU Oct 17, 2026; Provo, Utah, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish head coach Marcus Freeman reacts during the first half against the Brigham Young Cougars at LaVell Edwards Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rob Gray-Imagn Images (Rob Gray, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect) 13 / 21 See photos from Notre Dame's loss to BYU Oct 17, 2026; Provo, Utah, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish quarterback CJ Carr (13) passes against the Brigham Young Cougars during the first half at LaVell Edwards Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rob Gray-Imagn Images (Rob Gray, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect) 14 / 21 See photos from Notre Dame's loss to BYU Oct 17, 2026; Provo, Utah, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish quarterback CJ Carr (13) passes against the Brigham Young Cougars during the first half at LaVell Edwards Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rob Gray-Imagn Images (Rob Gray, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect) 15 / 21 See photos from Notre Dame's loss to BYU Oct 17, 2026; Provo, Utah, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish quarterback CJ Carr (13) warms up before the game against the Brigham Young Cougars at LaVell Edwards Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rob Gray-Imagn Images (Rob Gray, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect) 16 / 21 See photos from Notre Dame's loss to BYU Oct 17, 2026; Provo, Utah, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish wide receiver Jaden Greathouse (1) runs against the Brigham Young Cougars during the second half at LaVell Edwards Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rob Gray-Imagn Images (Rob Gray, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect) 17 / 21 See photos from Notre Dame's loss to BYU Oct 17, 2026; Provo, Utah, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish running back Aneyas Williams (22) runs against the Brigham Young Cougars during the second half at LaVell Edwards Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rob Gray-Imagn Images (Rob Gray, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect) 18 / 21 See photos from Notre Dame's loss to BYU Oct 17, 2026; Provo, Utah, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish running back Nolan James Jr. (2) runs against the Brigham Young Cougars during the second half at LaVell Edwards Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rob Gray-Imagn Images (Rob Gray, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect) 19 / 21 See photos from Notre Dame's loss to BYU Oct 17, 2026; Provo, Utah, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish wide receiver Micah Gilbert (14) can't make a catch against the Brigham Young Cougars during the first half at LaVell Edwards Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rob Gray-Imagn Images (Rob Gray, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect) 20 / 21 See photos from Notre Dame's loss to BYU Oct 17, 2026; Provo, Utah, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish quarterback CJ Carr (13) passes against Brigham Young Cougars linebacker Cade Uluave (4) during the first half at LaVell Edwards Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rob Gray-Imagn Images (Rob Gray, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect) 21 / 21 See photos from Notre Dame's loss to BYU Oct 17, 2026; Provo, Utah, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish head coach Marcus Freeman looks on during the first half against the Brigham Young Cougars at LaVell Edwards Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rob Gray-Imagn Images (Rob Gray, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect) If Bowen wins the college version of the award, he'd be the fourth Irish player in history to receive it. Manti Te'o (2012), Jaylon Smith (2015) and Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah (2020) are each Butkus Award recipients.
Bowen has 38-tackles, two pass breakups, a quarterback hurry and a fumble recovery so far for Notre Dame. After he recovered the fumble, the senior ran it back 15-yards for his first-career touchdown.
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This article originally appeared on Fighting Irish Wire: Notre Dame captain a semifinalist for prestigious linebacker award
Source: Sports
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