University of Delaware Athletics
Photo by: Mikey Reeves
Football's Thaw Named to 2025 Jason Witten Collegiate Man of the Year Watch List
9/30/2025 12:00:00 PM | Football
DALLAS – University of Delaware football WR Jake Thaw has been named to the 2025 Jason Witten Collegiate Man of the Year Watch List, the selection committee announced Tuesday.
Thaw is one of 67 members of the exclusive watch list and one of just two from Conference USA, joined by New Mexico State's Tyler Martinez. 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. 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. 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. In addition to winning the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award in 2012, Witten also received the Bart Starr Award, Pro Football Weekly's Humanitarian of the Year Award, Home Depot NFL Neighborhood MVP, and the Bob Lilly Award, among many others. All of those honors have recognized his work in the community, achievements on the field and dedication to his teammates and family.
In two games this season, Thaw has 11 catches for 177 yards and a touchdown. The 2023 National Champion had a busy preseason, being named to Athlon Sports 2025 Preseason Conference USA All-Conference Third Team as a punt returner and fourth team as a receiver, while also being named to Phil Steele's 2025 Preseason CUSA Third Team as a punter returner. Thaw was also the Fightin Blue Hens' AFCA Good Works Team nominee and is a semifinalist for the William V. Campbell Trophy.
Thaw was an All-CAA Second Team honoree as a punt returner during his first season in Newark in 2024. He recorded nine returns for 108 yards for an average of 12.0 yards per attempt. As a receiver, the Westport, Conn. product ranked second on the team with 41 catches for 334 receiving yards, and five touchdowns to be UD's top returning wideout in 2025.
The graduate international business major sports a 3.952 overall GPA and is a two-time member of the CSC Academic All-District Team, three-time Academic All-Big Ten, and two-time CAA Commissioner's Honor Roll recipient.
The Blue Hens are set to host WKU for Parents & Family Weekend on Friday, October 3 at 7 p.m. The game will air nationally on CBS Sports Network and will be the first CUSA home game at Delaware Stadium.
TICKET INFORMATION
Don't miss your chance to be part of the action at Delaware Stadium this fall. Get your single-game tickets for the 2025 Delaware home football season today!
Season tickets offer the best seats at the best price for every home game and come with great benefits, such as ticket priority for away games and invites to exclusive member-only events. Partial Plans offer fans flexible options and price savings over individual games.
For more information or to secure your seats, visit BlueHens.com/fbtickets.
FOLLOW ON SOCIAL
For the latest on Delaware football, follow the Blue Hens on X, Instagram, and like on Facebook.
Thaw is one of 67 members of the exclusive watch list and one of just two from Conference USA, joined by New Mexico State's Tyler Martinez. 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. 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. 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. In addition to winning the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award in 2012, Witten also received the Bart Starr Award, Pro Football Weekly's Humanitarian of the Year Award, Home Depot NFL Neighborhood MVP, and the Bob Lilly Award, among many others. All of those honors have recognized his work in the community, achievements on the field and dedication to his teammates and family.
In two games this season, Thaw has 11 catches for 177 yards and a touchdown. The 2023 National Champion had a busy preseason, being named to Athlon Sports 2025 Preseason Conference USA All-Conference Third Team as a punt returner and fourth team as a receiver, while also being named to Phil Steele's 2025 Preseason CUSA Third Team as a punter returner. Thaw was also the Fightin Blue Hens' AFCA Good Works Team nominee and is a semifinalist for the William V. Campbell Trophy.
Thaw was an All-CAA Second Team honoree as a punt returner during his first season in Newark in 2024. He recorded nine returns for 108 yards for an average of 12.0 yards per attempt. As a receiver, the Westport, Conn. product ranked second on the team with 41 catches for 334 receiving yards, and five touchdowns to be UD's top returning wideout in 2025.
The graduate international business major sports a 3.952 overall GPA and is a two-time member of the CSC Academic All-District Team, three-time Academic All-Big Ten, and two-time CAA Commissioner's Honor Roll recipient.
The Blue Hens are set to host WKU for Parents & Family Weekend on Friday, October 3 at 7 p.m. The game will air nationally on CBS Sports Network and will be the first CUSA home game at Delaware Stadium.
TICKET INFORMATION
Don't miss your chance to be part of the action at Delaware Stadium this fall. Get your single-game tickets for the 2025 Delaware home football season today!
Season tickets offer the best seats at the best price for every home game and come with great benefits, such as ticket priority for away games and invites to exclusive member-only events. Partial Plans offer fans flexible options and price savings over individual games.
For more information or to secure your seats, visit BlueHens.com/fbtickets.
FOLLOW ON SOCIAL
For the latest on Delaware football, follow the Blue Hens on X, Instagram, and like on Facebook.
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