COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – Four mountain West Conference football standouts have been named to the watch list for the prestigious 2025 Jason Witten Collegiate Man of the Year award, signaling the conferenceS commitment to both athletic excellence and exemplary character.
The annual award recognizes an FBS player who distinguishes themselves through courage, integrity, and sportsmanship on and off the field – qualities embodied by Jason Witten, the former NFL star and 2012 Walter Payton Man of the Year. The award celebrates a holistic approach to success, honoring dedication to community, family, and teammates.
Representing the Mountain West on the initial watch list are Boise State senior linebacker Marco Notarainni, Colorado State sophomore linebacker Owen Long, Hawai’i senior running back Landon Sims, and San José State senior defensive back Jalen Apalit-Williams.
Each nominee was selected by their respective institutions for demonstrating a consistent record of leadership and positive influence.
The selection process will narrow the field to twenty semifinalists on October 14, followed by the announcement of three finalists on December 15. The winner will be revealed at an awards ceremony held at The star in Frisco, Texas, on April 16, 2026.
For a complete list of watch list honorees, click here.
Jason Witten Collegiate Man of the Year Watch List (MW selections)
Marco Notarainni, sr., LB, boise State
Owen Long, So., LB, Colorado State
landon Sims, Sr., RB, Hawai’i
Jalen Apalit-Williams, Sr., DB, san José State
