Former Hawkeye turned NFL star Jack Campbell is at the top of the mountain following the 2025 season.
While Detroit could not replicate the 15-2 regular-season record, a No. 1 overall seed, and an NFC North championship it captured in 2024, Campbell earned elite status in his third professional season.
After Detroit selected him with the No. 18 overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, Campbell quickly adjusted to the NFL after a stellar career as a Hawkeye and was named the best player at his position after the 2025 season.
Jack Campbell earned the 2025 Pro Butkus Award
Campbell earned the 2025 Pro Butkus Award, given to the best linebacker in the NFL, after his dominant season at the center of the Lions' defense.
Dominant at Iowa. Elite in the NFL.
— Hawkeye Football (@HawkeyeFootball) January 23, 2026
Jack Campbell earns the 2025 Pro Butkus Award, honoring the NFL’s top linebacker 🏆#NFLHawks x @Lions pic.twitter.com/irkhmnF6Hk
In a rare feat, Campbell is one of the few players to earn the Butkus Award in college and in the NFL, solidifying his place among the elites.
Campbell was projected to eventually be a starter at the NFL level, but no one expected him to take the reigns as quickly as he has.
During his pre-draft evaluation, NFL analyst Lance Zierlein projected him as a second-round pick and said that teams must "balance consistency with the playmaking limitations."
Zierlein could not have been more wrong in his assessment.
Campbell has become one of the best playmakers at the linebacker position, as evidenced by his dominance this past season.
He finished the season with 176 total tackles (89 solo), including nine tackles for loss, five sacks, three forced fumbles, and two fumble recoveries in 17 games.
The press release for the award also stated that Campbell has earned "league-wide" respect for his preparation, physicality, and football intelligence.
Pretty good for a player who "lacks" playmaking ability, huh?