DALLAS - San José State linebacker and captain Naseri Danielson has been named to the watch list for the 10th annual Jason Witten Collegiate Man of the Year award, the selection committee announced.
The national honor recognizes 80 of college football’s top leaders who exhibit exceptional leadership, courage, integrity, and sportsmanship both on and off the field. Danielson, a Stockton, California, native, stands among an elite group of student-athletes nominated by their respective institutions for their impact in the classroom, in the community, and on gridirons across the country.
The award, presented by Albertsons and Tom Thumb, is the first in college football to focus primarily on leadership. Named after former NFL star and 2012 Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Jason Witten, the honor highlights players who embody character and dedication to their teammates and communities.
“It is an incredible honor to announce this group of young men as the watch list for the Collegiate Man of the Year,” said Witten. “These student-athletes have all demonstrated exceptional leadership, often in the face of adversity, and are perfect examples of what the sport of college football is all about.”
Selection of the award's 20 semifinalists will be made by a subset of the selection committee and announced on Tuesday, Oct. 13. Three finalists will be revealed on Monday, Dec. 14, with the winner officially named during an award ceremony in Spring 2027.
The winner of the Jason Witten Collegiate Man of the Year award will receive a $10,000 contribution in his name to his institution's athletic scholarship fund, donated by Jason Witten’s SCORE Foundation.
Naseri Danielson, LB, Jr-R., Stockton, Calif./St. Mary's HS/BYU
- Season defensive captain
- Eight tackles, two pass breakups and one QB hurry at EMU (09/04/26)
- Led team with career-high 10 tackles, plus first career interception at No. 14 USC (08/29/26)
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