TOLEDO, Ohio – Toledo offensive lineman Matt Hofer has been named to the watch list for the Jason Witten Collegiate Man of the Year Award, it was announced on Tuesday.

The award honors one college football student-athlete who has demonstrated a record of leadership by exhibiting exceptional courage, integrity and sportsmanship both on and off the field.
 
The redshirt freshman has made two recent international mission trips to Kenya and the Philippines. In Kenya last year, Hofer engaged with vulnerable children, including some who were trafficked, at schools and orphanages by teaching, playing games and sharing hope. In his trip to the Philippines earlier this year, Hofer participated in fundraising efforts for a college, assisted churches with vacation bible school and prepared housing for future mission teams.
 
In Toledo, Hofer's volunteer work has spanned across many local organizations including Cherry Street Mission, Boys & Girls Club, Cornerstone Church and Gleaners Community Food Bank. He has also appeared at numerous elementary schools in the area.

Twenty semifinalists for the Jason Witten Collegiate Man of the Year will be announced on Oct. 14. Three finalists will be named for the award on Monday, Dec. 15. The winner will be announced at the award ceremony at The Star in Frisco, Texas, on April 15, 2026.
 
Hofer was also recently named a finalist for the the Allstate AFCA Good Works Team, the first Rocket ever to achieve that honor.