Matt Hofer Named to Jason Witten Collegiate Man of the Year Watch List

TOLEDO, Ohio – University of Toledo sophomore offensive lineman Matt Hofer has been named to the Jason Witten Collegiate Man of the Year Watch List, recognizing 80 of the nation's top leaders in college football.

The players on the watch list have demonstrated exceptional courage, integrity and sportsmanship on and off the field. The Jason Witten Collegiate Man of the Year Award, presented by Albertsons and Tom Thumb, is the first college football honor focused primarily on a player's leadership, both on and off the field.

Hofer's commitment to serving others has made him one of the most dedicated community volunteers in Toledo Athletics. He has accumulated more than 300 verified community service hours during his Toledo career, making a lasting impact on children, families and community members throughout Northwest Ohio.

"Matt is the definition of what it means to be a leader, and what makes him so special is that he leads by serving others," said Toledo head football coach Mike Jacobs. "He has given hundreds of hours of his time to make a difference in the Toledo community, and he does it without seeking recognition. Matt represents everything we want a Rocket to be — selfless, dependable and committed to making the people around him better. We couldn't be more proud of him for being recognized as a Jason Witten Collegiate Man of the Year candidate."

Much of Hofer's service has been through Cherry Street Mission, where he has spent countless hours preparing and serving meals for those in need. He has also volunteered with Connecting Kids to Meals, The Ability Center, the Boys & Girls Club, local elementary schools, youth football camps and numerous Toledo Athletics community outreach initiatives.

In June, Hofer received his ministry license, earning the title of Reverend at the Hope Community Church of the Nazarene in Oregon.

Hofer's dedication to community service earned him recognition as a 2025 Allstate Wuerffel Trophy finalist, an honor that celebrates college football's most impactful student-athletes who combine athletic success with exemplary service and leadership.

On the field, Hofer has been a veteran presence for the Rockets' offensive line. He started last Friday at Michigan State after playing in 12 games during the 2025 season, helping anchor a Toledo offense that ranked first in the Mid-American Conference in scoring (30.8 points per game), total offense (415.2 yards per game) and passing offense (238.1 yards per game).

"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."

Twenty semifinalists will be selected by a subset of the selection committee and announced on Tuesday, Oct. 13. Three finalists will be announced on Monday, Dec. 14. The winner will be announced at an award ceremony in spring 2027.

The recipient of the Jason Witten Collegiate Man of the Year Award will receive a $10,000 contribution in his name to his school's athletic scholarship fund. The contribution will be made by Jason Witten's SCORE Foundation, the official charity of Jason and his wife, Michelle.

The award is named for Witten, who became one of the most accomplished tight ends in NFL history during his 16-year professional career while earning a reputation as one of football's most prominent leaders and role models. In addition to winning the 2012 Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award, Witten received numerous honors recognizing his contributions on the field, in his community and to his teammates and family.

Players Mentioned

Matt Hofer