Award To Honor Exemplary Leadership By A College Player

DALLAS (Oct. 21, 2026) – The semifinalists for the tenth annual Jason Witten Collegiate Man of the Year were announced today, a group that includes 20 of the nation’s top leaders in college football.

Compiled by a subset of the Jason Witten Collegiate Man of the Year Selection Committee, the semifinalists have all demonstrated a record of leadership by exhibiting exceptional courage, integrity and sportsmanship both on and off the field.

Thirteen seniors, six juniors, and one sophomore make up the list. Among conferences, the ACC led the way with seven selections, while the SEC had six. The Sun Belt, American Conference, Pac-12, Big Ten, Big 12, and Conference USA all had one semifinalist. Notre Dame, an Independent, also had one semifinalist.

The full list of semifinalists includes: Michael Allen (Baylor), Arion Carter (Tennessee), Matt Craycraft (Duke), Camron Cooper (UTSA), Steven Demboski (Delaware), Mark Fletcher Jr. (Miami), Bray Hubbard (Alabama), Mason Heintschel (Pittsburgh), Hero Kanu (Texas), Lawson Luckie (Georgia), Jordan Marshall (Michigan), Maddux Madsen (Boise State), Leonard Moore (Notre Dame), Colton Phares (Appalachian State), Willie Rodriguez (Kentucky), Duce Robinson (Florida State), Isaiah Shirley (North Carolina State), Jordan Shipp (North Carolina), David Stone (Oklahoma) and Davis Warren (Stanford).

Three finalists will be named for the award on Tuesday, December 15. The winner will be announced at the award ceremony at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, on March 11, 2027.

Last year, Jacob Rodriguez of Texas Tech won the ninth annual award. The first eight Jason Witten Collegiate Man of the Year awards were presented to Shaquem Griffin of UCF in 2017, D’Cota Dixon of Wisconsin in 2018, Trey Smith of Tennessee in 2019, Sam Ehlinger of Texas in 2020, Joshua Paschal of Kentucky in 2021, Deslin Alexandre of Pittsburgh in 2022, Mike Hollins of Virginia in 2023, and J.J. Weaver of Kentucky in 2024.

The award, presented by Albertsons and Tom Thumb, is the first college football honor to focus primarily on a player’s leadership, both on and off the field. Leadership is a term synonymous with Jason Witten, who, in addition to becoming one of the best tight ends in the history of the sport, served as one of football’s most prominent role models during his 16-year pro career. In addition to winning the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award in 2012, Witten also received the Bart Starr Award, Pro Football Weekly’s Humanitarian of the Year Award, Home Depot NFL Neighborhood MVP and the Bob Lilly Award, among many others. All of those honors have recognized his work in the community, achievements on the field and dedication to his teammates and family.

“I’m very honored to announce the semifinalists for the Collegiate Man of the Year,” said Witten. “These twenty young men are prime examples of what makes college football so great.  They have separated themselves not just by their play on the field, but how they have been leaders in the locker room, in their communities and in their own families. They are great representatives for their schools and the game of football, and I commend all nominees for getting to this point.”

The winner of the Jason Witten Collegiate Man of the Year will also receive a $10,000 contribution in his name to his school’s athletic scholarship fund. The contribution will be made by Jason Witten’s SCORE Foundation, the official charity of Jason and his wife Michelle. The SCORE Foundation, founded in 2007, has positively impacted tens of thousands of children and families in Texas and Tennessee over the last 17 years. The foundation operates its nationally-recognized SCOREkeepers program, which places trained male mentors on staff to work with children at family violence shelters, at nine shelters in the two states.

2026 JASON WITTEN COLLEGIATE MAN OF THE YEAR SEMIFINALISTS

Michael Allen, Baylor (Sr., S) – Baylor team captain Michael Allen exemplifies the values of leadership, perseverance and service through his dedication to his teammates, academic excellence and commitment to making a difference in his community. A former walk-on and team captain, Allen competes in all phases of special teams and continued playing after breaking his arm against Oklahoma State in 2025. Off the field, he leads Baylor’s team Bible study, which attracts more than 40 members weekly, and has served as Baylor’s Uplifting Athletes chapter leader for four years, raising more than $10,000 for rare-disease research. He has completed approximately 70–100 hours of community service in Waco, including building homes, preparing meals for students in need, organizing toy drives and reading to elementary school students. Academically, Allen graduated summa cum laude, maintains a perfect 4.0 GPA while pursuing his MBA, and has earned multiple academic honors.

Arion Carter, Tennessee (Sr., LB) – Tennessee’s unquestioned defensive leader, linebacker Arion Carter has served as a team captain in every game this season and represented the Volunteers on the SEC Football Leadership Council. One of the SEC’s most productive defenders, Carter led the conference in tackles per game in 2025 despite battling turf toe and earned All-SEC second-team honors. He has overcome multiple injuries throughout his career and demonstrated remarkable character by supporting his girlfriend through her breast cancer treatment. Carter has pledged donations toward cancer research based on his on-field performance, partnering with his mother’s nonprofit, Girls in Real Life Situations (GIRLS), to turn adversity into an opportunity to give back. Beyond football, he regularly visits patients at Dolly Parton Children’s Hospital, has supported Make-A-Wish and participated in Tennessee’s VOLeaders Academy, including a service trip to Brazil. Academically, Carter earned his bachelor’s degree in public health in August 2026 and is a three-time SEC Academic Honor Roll recipient

Matt Craycraft, Duke (Graduate Student, OL) – A respected leader on and off the field, Duke offensive lineman Matt Craycraft was elected one of four team captains for the 2026 season and serves on the program’s leadership council. A two-year starting center, he helped anchor an offensive line that ranked among the nation’s best in sacks allowed in 2024 and contributed to Duke’s 2025 ACC Championship season, when the Blue Devils set program records for touchdowns and points scored. Beyond football, Craycraft represents Duke on the ACC Student-Athlete Advisory Committee and developed NXT40, a networking app connecting student-athletes with Duke alumni for mentorship and career opportunities. Academically, he has earned three All-ACC Academic Football Team selections, four ACC Academic Honor Roll honors and two Academic All-District honors.

Camron Cooper, UTSA (Redshirt Junior, OLB) – UTSA Linebacker Camron Cooper has distinguished himself through his perseverance, leadership, and commitment to serving his community. Cooper was voted by his teammates to wear the No. 1 jersey, recognizing his embodiment of the program’s “210 Triangle of Toughness” culture. After suffering a season-ending injury in the 2025 opener against Texas A&M, Cooper battled back to become the starting outside linebacker this season. Beyond football, he mentors students through UTSA’s Rowdy Readers program, regularly visits patients at Christus Children’s Hospital and supports the San Antonio Food Bank. He has also volunteered with youth sports and food assistance programs while remaining active in the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. Academically, Cooper is a two-time American Conference All-Academic Team selection and was named to the 2025 Allstate AFCA Good Works Team.

Steven Demboski, Delaware (Fifth Year, OL) – Delaware center Steven Demboski is a two-time team captain who leads through accountability, perseverance and a commitment to serving others. A standout offensive lineman, he earned 2025 Conference USA All-Conference Second Team honors and has not allowed a sack in his career, according to PFF. Inspired by the loss of his aunt to breast cancer, Demboski supports children and families affected by cancer through UDance and the B+ Foundation. He also volunteers at a local food pantry, promotes youth literacy and organizes charitable initiatives for underprivileged children. Academically, he earned his bachelor’s degree in sport management and was named to the 2025-26 Conference USA Academic Honor Roll.

Mark Fletcher Jr., Miami (FL) (Sr., RB) – Miami running back Mark Fletcher Jr. has developed into one of the Hurricanes’ most important offensive contributors, combining a physical running style with leadership and resilience. A team captain, Fletcher earned Third-Team All-ACC honors in 2025 after rushing for 1,192 yards and 12 touchdowns, and was named offensive MVP of the Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic. He also excelled academically, earning Academic All-ACC recognition in three consecutive seasons and Second-Team Academic All-America honors in 2025. Following the unexpected loss of his father in 2024, Fletcher has continued to inspire teammates through his perseverance and positive attitude. Off the field, he gives back to South Florida families through community outreach, including helping provide Thanksgiving meals to families in need and engaging local children through football and other activities.

Bray Hubbard, Alabama (Jr., S) – Bray Hubbard has established himself as a cornerstone of Alabama’s defense through his relentless work ethic, vocal leadership and commitment to his teammates. A First-Team All-SEC selection and Second-Team AFCA All-American in 2025, Hubbard has continued to excel on the field while honoring the memory of his mother, who passed away from breast cancer when he was in high school. He also demonstrates an exceptional commitment to academics, earning his undergraduate degree in Sport Management in just three years, graduating cum laude, and receiving Second-Team Academic All-America honors before pursuing his master’s degree. Beyond football, Hubbard regularly serves the Tuscaloosa community through elementary school visits, literacy initiatives, food bank volunteering, and programs supporting individuals with disabilities, reflecting his dedication to making a positive impact beyond the game.

Mason Heintschel, Pittsburgh (So., QB) – Pitt quarterback Mason Heintschel made an immediate impact as a true freshman in 2025, throwing for 2,354 yards and 16 touchdowns while leading the Panthers to a 6–3 record in his starts and earning Shaun Alexander Freshman of the Year Award semifinalist recognition. He followed that debut with a record-setting start to 2026, throwing for 665 yards and seven touchdowns without an interception in Pitt’s first two games. A dedicated student-athlete, Heintschel earned 2025–2026 ACC Academic Honor Roll recognition while participating in 19 community service initiatives and contributing more than 32 volunteer hours. Inspired by the loss of his childhood friend Lukas Mason, whose organ donations saved six lives, he launched the “Have a Heart” campaign to support the Heart Institute at UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh, turning personal adversity into meaningful service for children and families.

Hero Kanu, Texas (Fifth Year, DL) – Texas defensive tackle Hero Kanu has demonstrated remarkable determination, rising from a small community in Germany to become a team captain and key contributor at a top college football program. After leaving his family behind and moving to California with limited English and no organized football experience, Kanu developed into a national champion at Ohio State before continuing his career at Texas. He has also excelled academically, maintaining a 3.42 GPA while pursuing a degree in communication and leadership and earning a nomination for the 2026 William V. Campbell Trophy. Beyond football, Kanu has hosted free youth camps in Germany and France, donated more than 100 pairs of shoes to children in need and helped aspiring athletes from Germany and Nigeria pursue college opportunities, using his journey to inspire the next generation.

Lawson Luckie, Georgia (Sr., TE) – Georgia tight end Lawson Luckie has become a respected veteran leader in Athens, known for his toughness, work ethic and commitment to mentoring younger teammates. A 2026 preseason Second-Team All-SEC selection, Luckie has recorded 52 career receptions for 699 yards and 10 touchdowns, including three touchdown catches in a 2025 game against Ole Miss. Inspired by his younger brother Cannon’s rare FOXG1 syndrome, Luckie has made serving others a central part of his life, supporting organizations that benefit children with disabilities, cancer patients and families in need. He has advocated for mental health awareness, helped fund a teen club at the Boys & Girls Club of Athens and worked with Special Needs Schools of Gwinnett and Destination Dawgs, demonstrating a deep commitment to using his platform to make a difference in his community.

Jordan Marshall, Michigan (Jr., RB) – Michigan running back Jordan Marshall has emerged as a team captain and vocal leader, using his platform to promote mental health awareness through the university’s Sack the Stigma campaign. A 2025 Second-Team All-Big Ten selection, Marshall rushed for 1,052 career yards and 10 touchdowns while earning Academic All-Big Ten honors as a Sport Management major. Beyond football, he has made a meaningful impact through community service, hosting free youth football camps in his hometown of Cincinnati and organizing a Thanksgiving turkey drive that provided complete holiday meals to more than 300 families in need. Through his advocacy, mentorship and dedication to serving others, Marshall exemplifies leadership both on and off the field.

Maddux Madsen, Boise State (Fifth Year, QB) – Through perseverance, accountability and a commitment to his teammates, Boise State quarterback Maddux Madsen has established himself as one of the Broncos’ leading voices as a two-time team captain. He has overcome multiple season-altering injuries to help Boise State capture three consecutive conference championships. A standout performer, Madsen ranks among the program’s top 10 in career passing yards and touchdowns while earning Mountain West Championship Offensive MVP honors in 2025. He has also excelled academically, earning his bachelor’s degree and multiple academic honors. Beyond football, Madsen champions mental health awareness through Boise State’s BroncoBOLD initiative, visits local schools to promote hope and awareness, and supports foster children and individuals with special needs.

Leonard Moore, Notre Dame (Jr., CB) – Notre Dame cornerback Leonard Moore has established himself as one of college football’s premier defensive backs, earning unanimous First-Team All-American honors in 2025 after leading the Irish with five interceptions despite missing games. After overcoming childhood challenges related to epilepsy, Moore has turned his perseverance into a commitment to helping others succeed. He founded Tackle Attendance South Bend to mentor local students and combat chronic absenteeism, encouraging young people to build positive habits and reach their potential. Moore also supports the Black Student Athlete Summit and funded the construction of a regulation-size basketball court in Dakar, Senegal, expanding athletic opportunities for the local community.

Colton Phares, Appalachian State (Sr., LB) – App State linebacker Colton Phares has earned the respect of his teammates through his leadership and versatility, receiving unanimous votes to become a team captain and earning the nickname “Captain America.” After transitioning from safety to linebacker, Phares emerged as one of the Sun Belt’s top defenders, recording 101 tackles, 9.5 tackles for loss and three interceptions in 2025. He also excels academically, maintaining a 3.53 GPA as a building sciences and construction management major while earning multiple Dean’s List honors. Beyond football, Phares regularly gives back by visiting children’s hospitals, volunteering at youth camps and supporting charitable initiatives, demonstrating his commitment to serving others on and off the field.

Willie Rodriguez, Kentucky (Jr., TE) – Kentucky tight end Willie Rodriguez has emerged as a leader through his dedication to serving others, drawing inspiration from his younger sister, Gabby, who has Rett syndrome. A team captain, Rodriguez leads by example both on and off the field, regularly visiting Golisano Children’s Hospital and bringing teammates along to spend time with young patients. He has also contributed to organizations supporting individuals with disabilities and children with special needs, including Easterseals of the Bluegrass and Camp Horsin’ Around. On the field, Rodriguez leads Kentucky in receptions early in the 2026 season while balancing his athletic responsibilities with academic honors, demonstrating a commitment to leadership, compassion and community service.

Duce Robinson, Florida State (Sr., WR) – Duce Robinson has established himself as a team captain through his character, work ethic and commitment to setting the standard for his teammates. A First-Team All-ACC selection and Third-Team All-American in 2025, Robinson recorded 1,081 receiving yards and six touchdowns, becoming the first Seminole to surpass 1,000 receiving yards in a season since 2019. He has also excelled in the classroom, earning First-Team Academic All-American honors while maintaining a strong record of academic achievement. Beyond football, Robinson raised $10,000 for Special Olympics Florida through his charity pickleball event and supports youth development, literacy and families in need through community initiatives, demonstrating his dedication to making a lasting impact beyond the field.

Isaiah Shirley, NC State (Sr., DT) – NC State defensive tackle Isaiah Shirley has emerged as a respected team captain and servant-leader, earning praise from head coach Dave Doeren for his humility, work ethic and genuine care for others. After experiencing instability in his early childhood and being adopted by a coach and his family, Shirley has turned his experiences into a commitment to helping others. A four-time ACC Academic Honor Roll selection and finalist for the prestigious Arthur Ashe Sport Scholars Award, he has excelled in the classroom while contributing on the field, including earning ACC Defensive Lineman of the Week honors in 2025. Beyond football, Shirley serves as a mentor to local students, leads NC State’s Uplifting Athletes chapter and has volunteered with organizations supporting children, families and individuals with disabilities, reflecting his dedication to making a meaningful difference in his community.

Jordan Shipp, North Carolina (Jr., WR) – Wide receiver Jordan Shipp has earned the nickname “Mr. Carolina” through his relentless work ethic, commitment to excellence and leadership as a two-time team captain. After overcoming a freshman-year injury, Shipp emerged as the Tar Heels’ leading receiver in 2025 with 60 catches for 671 yards and six touchdowns, earning All-ACC honorable mention recognition. He has also excelled academically, completing undergraduate degrees in exercise science and communications in just two and a half years while earning multiple academic honors. Beyond football, Shipp was named a 2026 ACC Top Six for Service Award recipient for his work with UNC Children’s Hospital, Habitat for Humanity, local food programs and school supply drives, demonstrating his dedication to supporting families and children throughout the community.

David Stone, Oklahoma (Jr., DL) – Oklahoma defensive lineman David Stone has established himself as a resilient and dependable leader, earning the trust of his teammates and coaches to serve as a team captain for the 2026 season. Despite experiencing housing instability growing up and battling injuries throughout his college career, Stone has played in all 32 of Oklahoma’s games. A preseason All-American, he has recorded 70 career tackles while earning SEC Fall Academic Honor Roll recognition as a health and exercise science major. Through his Big Stone Athletics foundation, Stone supports veterans and first responders, hosts youth football camps, volunteers at children’s hospitals and rehabilitation centers, and organizes initiatives benefiting foster families and fellow student-athletes.

Davis Warren, Stanford (Sixth Year, QB) – Few journeys in college football are as inspiring as Davis Warren’s, whose resilience after overcoming leukemia has shaped him into a trusted leader at Stanford. After beginning his career as a walk-on at Michigan, Warren earned the starting quarterback role before overcoming an ACL injury and transferring to Stanford. In 2026, he has thrown for 1630 yards and 7 touchdowns. His 167 passes without an interception tied the Stanford record for the longest pass attempt streak without an interception and led the FBS (at the time). Beyond football, Warren has become a passionate advocate for cancer patients, building lasting relationships with young patients and their families through regular hospital visits. He has continued this work at Stanford by organizing visits to Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital, using his personal experience to encourage and support children facing serious health challenges.