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Tyler Martinez Named Semifinalist for Jason Witten Award

10/24/2025

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Summary

Story summary

New Mexico State University linebacker Tyler Martinez is a semifinalist for the Jason Witten Collegiate Man of the Year award, with 27 tackles despite a hand injury.
There are 20 semifinalists from various conferences, and the finalists will be announced on December 16, with the winner on April 16, 2026.
Iowa's Aaron Graves is a finalist for the William V. Campbell Trophy, which honors leadership and academic excellence.

History

Historical Context

Established in 2021, the Jason Witten Collegiate Man of the Year award honors college football players excelling in athletics and academics. This initiative aligns with the National Football Foundation's commitment to recognizing student-athletes, reflecting a broader trend towards valuing holistic development. Notably, Tyler Martinez's nomination underscores the importance of balancing sports with academic achievement in collegiate athletics.

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Story summary

New Mexico State University linebacker Tyler Martinez is a semifinalist for the Jason Witten Collegiate Man of the Year award, with 27 tackles despite a hand injury.
There are 20 semifinalists from various conferences, and the finalists will be announced on December 16, with the winner on April 16, 2026.
Iowa's Aaron Graves is a finalist for the William V. Campbell Trophy, which honors leadership and academic excellence.

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