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Craycraft Tabbed to Jason Witten Collegiate Man of the Year Watch List
9/10/2026 1:15:00 PM | Football
DALLAS – Duke offensive lineman Matt Craycraft has been tabbed to the watch list for the 10th annual Jason Witten Collegiate Man of the Year Award, the organization announced Thursday afternoon.
Craycraft is one of 80 student-athletes selected to the watch list for demonstrating a record of leadership by exhibiting exceptional courage, integrity and sportsmanship both on and off the field.
The Dallas, Texas, native has seen action in 37 career games (29 starts) and has played 2,140 snaps in his five seasons with the Blue Devils. Last season, Craycraft helped Duke to its first outright ACC title since 1962 with a thrilling 27-20 overtime victory against No. 16 Virginia. He was a key piece of the Blue Devil offensive attack that set the program records for total touchdowns scored (63), points scored (484) and pass efficiency (152.53). The starting center provided protection for a Duke passing attack that averaged 285.36 yards per contest, the program's highest mark since 2009. He opened holes for Duke's ground attack that featured the first season in program history with two or more backs having 10 or more touchdowns each with Anderson Castle (12) and Nate Sheppard (11).
Heading into the 2026 campaign, Craycraft was named an Athlon Second Team Preseason All-ACC and Phil Steele Third Team Preseason All-ACC selection. He also earned a spot on the Rimington Trophy Watch List, Earl Campbell Tyler Rose Award Watch List and Shriners Children's East-West Bowl 1,000.
"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."
The award, presented by Albertsons and Tom Thumb, is the first college football honor to focus primarily on a player's leadership, both on and off the field. Leadership is a term synonymous with Jason Witten, who, in addition to becoming one of the best tight ends in the history of the sport, served as one of football's most prominent role models during his 16-year pro career. In addition to winning the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award in 2012, Witten also received the Bart Starr Award, Pro Football Weekly's Humanitarian of the Year Award, Home Depot NFL Neighborhood MVP and the Bob Lilly Award, among many others. All of those honors have recognized his work in the community, achievements on the field and dedication to his teammates and family.
#GoDuke
Craycraft is one of 80 student-athletes selected to the watch list for demonstrating a record of leadership by exhibiting exceptional courage, integrity and sportsmanship both on and off the field.
The Dallas, Texas, native has seen action in 37 career games (29 starts) and has played 2,140 snaps in his five seasons with the Blue Devils. Last season, Craycraft helped Duke to its first outright ACC title since 1962 with a thrilling 27-20 overtime victory against No. 16 Virginia. He was a key piece of the Blue Devil offensive attack that set the program records for total touchdowns scored (63), points scored (484) and pass efficiency (152.53). The starting center provided protection for a Duke passing attack that averaged 285.36 yards per contest, the program's highest mark since 2009. He opened holes for Duke's ground attack that featured the first season in program history with two or more backs having 10 or more touchdowns each with Anderson Castle (12) and Nate Sheppard (11).
Heading into the 2026 campaign, Craycraft was named an Athlon Second Team Preseason All-ACC and Phil Steele Third Team Preseason All-ACC selection. He also earned a spot on the Rimington Trophy Watch List, Earl Campbell Tyler Rose Award Watch List and Shriners Children's East-West Bowl 1,000.
"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."
The award, presented by Albertsons and Tom Thumb, is the first college football honor to focus primarily on a player's leadership, both on and off the field. Leadership is a term synonymous with Jason Witten, who, in addition to becoming one of the best tight ends in the history of the sport, served as one of football's most prominent role models during his 16-year pro career. In addition to winning the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award in 2012, Witten also received the Bart Starr Award, Pro Football Weekly's Humanitarian of the Year Award, Home Depot NFL Neighborhood MVP and the Bob Lilly Award, among many others. All of those honors have recognized his work in the community, achievements on the field and dedication to his teammates and family.
#GoDuke
Players Mentioned
Saturday, September 12
Saturday, September 12
Saturday, September 12
Saturday, September 12
