The Jason Witten Collegiate Man of the Year Award, created in 2017, is “presented annually to the FBS college football player who has demonstrated a record of leadership by exhibiting exceptional courage, integrity and sportsmanship both on and off the field.” On Wednesday, the award named 20 semifinalists for the honor, six of whom play in the SEC.
Tennessee‘s Arion Carter, Alabama‘s Bray Hubbard, Texas‘ Hero Kanu, Georgia‘s Lawson Luckie, Kentucky‘s Willie Rodriguez and Oklahoma‘s David Stone joined 14 other players on the Witten Award semifinalist reveal. The list will be trimmed to three finalists on Dec. 15, with the winner being announced at AT&T Stadium on Mar. 11, 2027.
Carter and Hubbard, who were both named finalists for the William V. Campbell Trophy earlier today, have added to their legacies with this distinction. Kanu, a senior from Geltendorf, Germany, has tallied 16 tackles so far in 2026. Stone, one of six juniors to earn semifinalist status, has made 22 tackles for the Sooners.
Rodriguez and Luckie, each of whom play Witten’s former position (TE), are top three on their teams in receiving yards. Rodriguez made four catches for 54 yards and two touchdowns in the Wildcats’ win against Oklahoma, bringing his season totals to 33 receptions, 257 yards and three touchdowns. Luckie has 11 catches, 184 yards and two touchdowns for the formerly No. 1 Bulldogs.
