OSU’s Cody Simon named to Witten Man of the Year Watch List

Ohio State fifth-year senior linebacker Cody Simon is one of 52 members of the eighth annual Jason Witten Collegiate Man of the Year Watch List, which was announced recently.

The student-athletes, nominated by their schools, have all demonstrated a record of leadership by exhibiting exceptional courage, integrity and sportsmanship both on and off the field.

Twenty semifinalists will be announced in late October. From there, three finalists will be named for the award on Monday, Dec. 16, and the winner will be announced at the award ceremony at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, on Feb. 12, 2025.

The award is the first to focus primarily on leadership, both on and off the field. And that is where Simon shines. While he's a steady, consistent and valuable player, Simon has impacted the Buckeyes in ways off the field that are easy to identify.

In August, Simon was given one of the most significant honors that the Ohio State program can bestow: He was selected by the coaching staff to wear the Block "O" this season. On the same day, Simon was selected as one of three captains for the 2024 Buckeyes and was also the leading vote-getter amongst his teammates.

Linebackers coach James Laurinaitis has called Simon the "unquestioned leader of the group. He's the leader of the defense."

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