Montgomery Named to Witten Watch List

IOWA CITY, Iowa -- University of Iowa fifth-year linebacker Jayden Montgomery has been named to the 2026 Jason Witten Collegiate Man of the Year Watch List, it was announced Thursday.

Nominated by their schools, the members of the watch list have all demonstrated a record of leadership by exhibiting exceptional courage, integrity and sportsmanship both on and off the field.

Montgomery (5-foot-11, 227 pounds) saw action in all 13 games last season, including seven starts at linebacker, for the nationally ranked, nine-win Hawkeyes. A three-time Coaches Appreciation Award honoree, Montgomery is one of eight seniors serving on the team's Leadership Council in 2026. The Suamico, Wisconsin, native is also a candidate for the 2026 Wuerffel Trophy and Dick Butkus Award.

Twenty semifinalists will be selected by a by a subset of the Jason Witten Collegiate Man of the Year Selection Committee and announced on Oct. 13. Three finalists will then be named for the award on Dec. 14. The winner will be announced at the award ceremony will take place in Spring of 2027.

The award 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.

No. 21 Iowa (1-0) hosts Iowa State (1-0) on Saturday in Iowa City. Kickoff is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. (CT) on Duke Slater Field at Kinnick Stadium.