Penn State football offensive lineman Nick Dawkins was named to the Jason Witten Collegiate Man of the Year Award watch list, the foundation announced Tuesday.

The award aims to recognize college football’s most well-rounded leader who exhibits extraordinary courage, integrity, and sportsmanship on and off the field. It’s meant to honor and reflect former NFL Walter Payton Man of the Year Jason Witten’s commitment to leadership and community. Notable past winners include Shaquem Griffin, Sam Ehlinger, and J.J. Weaver.

Other Big Ten players on the watch list include Illinois’ Kenenna Odeluga, Indiana’s Aiden Fisher, Maryland’s Ethan Gough, Michigan’s Ernest Hausmann, Nebraska’s Dylan Raiola, Ohio State’s Sonny Styles, Oregon’s Iapani Laloulu, Purdue’s Devin Mockobee, USC’s Anthony Beavers Jr., and Wisconsin’s Billy Edwards Jr.

Dawkins is in his fifth season at Penn State. He’s played in 46 games and was one of the players who chose to return to Happy Valley in lieu of the NFL Draft after the Orange Bowl loss to Notre Dame.

The award winner will be announced at a ceremony in Frisco, Texas, on April 16, 2026.

Dawkins and the Nittany Lions head to the West Coast for a 3:30 p.m. date with the UCLA Bruins on Saturday, October 4. Folks can watch the game on CBS.