North Carolina State University Athletics
Isaiah Shirley Recognized as Semifinalist for Jason Witten Collegiate Man of The Year Award
10/21/2026 12:00:00 PM | Football
RALEIGH, N.C. – For his leadership and exceptional courage, integrity, and sportsmanship on and off the field, NC State football defensive tackle Isaiah Shirley has been named one of 20 semifinalists for the tenth annual Jason Witten Man of the Year Award.
Shirley has emerged as a respected team captain and servant-leader, earning praise from head coach Dave Doeren for his humility, work ethic, and genuine care for others. After an unstable early childhood and adoption by a coach and his family, Shirley has turned those experiences into a commitment to helping others. A four-time ACC Academic Honor Roll selection and finalist for the prestigious Arthur Ashe Sport Scholars Award, he has excelled in the classroom while contributing on the field, including earning ACC Defensive Lineman of the Week honors in 2025. Beyond football, Shirley mentors local students, leads NC State's Uplifting Athletes chapter, and volunteers with organizations that support children, families, and individuals with disabilities, reflecting his dedication to making a meaningful difference in his community.
The award, presented by Albertsons and Tom Thumb, is the first college football honor to focus primarily on a player's leadership, both on and off the field.
"I'm very honored to announce the semifinalists for the Collegiate Man of the Year," said Witten. "These twenty young men are prime examples of what makes college football so great. They have separated themselves not just by their play on the field, but how they have been leaders in the locker room, in their communities and in their own families. They are great representatives for their schools and the game of football, and I commend all nominees for getting to this point."
Three finalists will be named for the award on Tuesday, December 15. The winner will be announced at the award ceremony at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, on March 11, 2027.
The winner of the Jason Witten Collegiate Man of the Year will also receive a $10,000 contribution in his name to his school's athletic scholarship fund. The contribution will be made by Jason Witten's SCORE Foundation, the official charity of Jason and his wife, Michelle. The SCORE Foundation, founded in 2007, has positively impacted tens of thousands of children and families in Texas and Tennessee over the past 17 years. The foundation operates its nationally recognized SCOREkeepers program, which places trained male mentors on staff to work with children at nine family violence shelters in the two states.
The full list of semifinalists includes: Michael Allen (Baylor), Arion Carter (Tennessee), Matt Craycraft (Duke), Camron Cooper (UTSA), Steven Demboski (Delaware), Mark Fletcher Jr. (Miami), Bray Hubbard (Alabama), Mason Heintschel (Pittsburgh), Hero Kanu (Texas), Lawson Luckie (Georgia), Jordan Marshall (Michigan), Maddux Madsen (Boise State), Leonard Moore (Notre Dame), Colton Phares (Appalachian State), Willie Rodriguez (Kentucky), Duce Robinson (Florida State), Isaiah Shirley (North Carolina State), Jordan Shipp (North Carolina), David Stone (Oklahoma) and Davis Warren (Stanford).
Shirley has emerged as a respected team captain and servant-leader, earning praise from head coach Dave Doeren for his humility, work ethic, and genuine care for others. After an unstable early childhood and adoption by a coach and his family, Shirley has turned those experiences into a commitment to helping others. A four-time ACC Academic Honor Roll selection and finalist for the prestigious Arthur Ashe Sport Scholars Award, he has excelled in the classroom while contributing on the field, including earning ACC Defensive Lineman of the Week honors in 2025. Beyond football, Shirley mentors local students, leads NC State's Uplifting Athletes chapter, and volunteers with organizations that support children, families, and individuals with disabilities, reflecting his dedication to making a meaningful difference in his community.
The award, presented by Albertsons and Tom Thumb, is the first college football honor to focus primarily on a player's leadership, both on and off the field.
"I'm very honored to announce the semifinalists for the Collegiate Man of the Year," said Witten. "These twenty young men are prime examples of what makes college football so great. They have separated themselves not just by their play on the field, but how they have been leaders in the locker room, in their communities and in their own families. They are great representatives for their schools and the game of football, and I commend all nominees for getting to this point."
Three finalists will be named for the award on Tuesday, December 15. The winner will be announced at the award ceremony at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, on March 11, 2027.
The winner of the Jason Witten Collegiate Man of the Year will also receive a $10,000 contribution in his name to his school's athletic scholarship fund. The contribution will be made by Jason Witten's SCORE Foundation, the official charity of Jason and his wife, Michelle. The SCORE Foundation, founded in 2007, has positively impacted tens of thousands of children and families in Texas and Tennessee over the past 17 years. The foundation operates its nationally recognized SCOREkeepers program, which places trained male mentors on staff to work with children at nine family violence shelters in the two states.
The full list of semifinalists includes: Michael Allen (Baylor), Arion Carter (Tennessee), Matt Craycraft (Duke), Camron Cooper (UTSA), Steven Demboski (Delaware), Mark Fletcher Jr. (Miami), Bray Hubbard (Alabama), Mason Heintschel (Pittsburgh), Hero Kanu (Texas), Lawson Luckie (Georgia), Jordan Marshall (Michigan), Maddux Madsen (Boise State), Leonard Moore (Notre Dame), Colton Phares (Appalachian State), Willie Rodriguez (Kentucky), Duce Robinson (Florida State), Isaiah Shirley (North Carolina State), Jordan Shipp (North Carolina), David Stone (Oklahoma) and Davis Warren (Stanford).
Players Mentioned
DE
/ FootballMonday, October 19
Monday, October 19
Saturday, October 10
Saturday, October 10