Ohio State Buckeyes LB Named To Witten Man Of The Year Watchlist

The Witten Man of the Year watchlist has been named and one veteran leader on the Ohio State Buckeyes defense made the list.

Aug 31, 2024; Columbus, OH, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes linebacker Cody Simon (0) watches from the sideline during the first half of the NCAA football game against the Akron Zips at Ohio Stadium. | Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK

Cody Simon is not only an integral part of the Ohio State Buckeyes defense, but the veteran linebacker is a leader on this team. Prior to the start of this season, Simon was awarded with the "Block O" jersey which changed his number from 30 to 0.

Despite missing the first week of the season, Simon has played well on the field in the last two games. His leadership rather than statistics have drawn some major recognition for the senior on Thursday.

The Jason Witten Collegiate Man of the Year Award watchlist was recently released and Simon was one of 52 players included on the list.

Witten Man of The Year Watchlist for none other than our Block 🅾️, @Cody_Simon30 pic.twitter.com/zV7yqFuGdN

— Ohio State Football (@OhioStateFB) September 26, 2024

The award is meant to recognize one college football player for outstanding leadership both on and off the field. Courage, integrity and sportsmanship are all traits deemed crucial to be an excellent leader.

The Ohio State captain will be vying to make the cut down to 20 semifinalists on October 22nd. The three finalists will be chosen on December 16th, prior to the winner being revealed on February 12th.

Simon was one of a handful of Big Ten Conference representatives. There were actually 10 Big Ten players named to the watchlist on Thursday. USC, Michigan State, Oregon, Nebraska, Purdue, Wisconsin, Iowa, Maryland and Michigan has the other representatives.

Leadership… on and off the field. We are proud to announce the 2024 Jason Witten Collegiate Man of the Year Watch List honoring the top leaders in college football. pic.twitter.com/LcMrUhC84W

— Jason Witten Award (@WittenCMOY) September 26, 2024

So far this season, Simon has tallied seven tackles, one tackle for loss and one sack in two games against Western Michigan and Marshall.

Simon will be an important factor against the Michigan State Spartans in the first conference game of the season for Ohio State. That matchup in East Lansing kicks off at 7:00 p.m. on Saturday.