J’Koby Williams Lands on Jason Witten Man of the Year Watch List

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Texas Tech running back J’Koby Williams added another piece of recognition Thursday, this time for what he brings beyond the stat sheet.

Williams was named to the 2026 Jason Witten Collegiate Man of the Year Award watch list, joining 88 other players nationally being recognized for leadership, courage, integrity and sportsmanship on and off the field.

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The honor comes just days after Williams helped power Texas Tech’s rushing attack in a 33-10 season-opening win over Abilene Christian.

He led the Red Raiders with 71 rushing yards and a touchdown, giving Joey McGuire another productive option in a deep backfield.

For Texas Tech, the Witten Award has quickly become familiar territory.

Former Red Raiders linebacker Jacob Rodriguez won the 2026 Jason Witten Collegiate Man of the Year Award in April after a decorated 2025 season. Rodriguez became the first Texas Tech player to win the honor after helping lead the program to a Big 12 championship and College Football Playoff appearance.

Now Williams has an opportunity to extend that connection.

The Jason Witten Collegiate Man of the Year Award separates itself from most major college football honors because performance on Saturdays isn’t the primary measuring stick.

The award centers on the character and leadership a player displays within his program, school and community.

That mission reflects the career of former Dallas Cowboys tight end Jason Witten, who played 16 NFL seasons and became one of the league’s most respected veteran leaders.

Witten’s off-field honors included the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award and Bart Starr Award.

Williams will now try to survive a series of cuts in the selection process.

The initial field will be reduced to 20 semifinalists on Oct. 13, with three finalists scheduled to be announced in December. The eventual winner will be honored next spring.

There’s also something tangible attached to the award beyond individual recognition. The winner’s university receives a $10,000 contribution to its athletic scholarship fund through Witten’s SCORE Foundation.

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Williams already has plenty to play for on the field as Texas Tech pushes deeper into the 2026 season.

Now he also has a chance to follow Rodriguez and give the Red Raiders back-to-back winners of one of college football’s most distinctive leadership awards.

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