University of Delaware Athletics
Demboski Named to Jason Witten Collegiate Man of the Year Watchlist
9/10/2026 1:26:00 PM | Football
DALLAS – University of Delaware football OL Steven Demboski has been named to the 2026 Jason Witten Collegiate Man of the Year Watchlist, it was announced Thursday. Demboski is the second player in program history to make this watchlist, as former Fightin' Blue Hens WR Jake Thaw made the list last season.
A captain for the second-consecutive season, Demboski started at center for the Hens in their 42-7 season-opening win over Merrimack last week.
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.
Twenty semifinalists will be selected by a by a subset of the Jason Witten Collegiate Man of the Year Selection Committee and announced on Tues., October 13. Three finalists will then be named for the award on Monday, December 14. The winner will be announced at the award ceremony, which will take place in Spring of 2027.
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.
This preseason, the fifth-year center has been named to the Allstate Wuerffel Trophy Watchlist, Rimington Trophy Watchlist, Outland Trophy Watchlist, Lombardi Award Watchlist, CUSA Watchlist, Shriners Children 1000 Watchlist, Athlon Sports All-CUSA First Team, Phil Steele All-CUSA First Team, Pro Football Network All-CUSA First Team, and an Allstate AFCA Good Works Team Nominee.
Demboski, a 2025 Second Team All-CUSA selection, played and started in 11 games at center last season. According to PFF, he did not allow a sack all season in his first year as the full-time starter. He was named the CUSA Offensive Lineman of the Week after UConn after making his season debut in the 44-41 OT win after missing the first two games due to injury. Under his leadership, the Delaware rushing attack had its best game on the ground, accounting for five rushing touchdowns and 247 rushing yards for an average of 5.5 yards per attempt in the team's first-FBS home win.
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A captain for the second-consecutive season, Demboski started at center for the Hens in their 42-7 season-opening win over Merrimack last week.
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.
Twenty semifinalists will be selected by a by a subset of the Jason Witten Collegiate Man of the Year Selection Committee and announced on Tues., October 13. Three finalists will then be named for the award on Monday, December 14. The winner will be announced at the award ceremony, which will take place in Spring of 2027.
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.
This preseason, the fifth-year center has been named to the Allstate Wuerffel Trophy Watchlist, Rimington Trophy Watchlist, Outland Trophy Watchlist, Lombardi Award Watchlist, CUSA Watchlist, Shriners Children 1000 Watchlist, Athlon Sports All-CUSA First Team, Phil Steele All-CUSA First Team, Pro Football Network All-CUSA First Team, and an Allstate AFCA Good Works Team Nominee.
Demboski, a 2025 Second Team All-CUSA selection, played and started in 11 games at center last season. According to PFF, he did not allow a sack all season in his first year as the full-time starter. He was named the CUSA Offensive Lineman of the Week after UConn after making his season debut in the 44-41 OT win after missing the first two games due to injury. Under his leadership, the Delaware rushing attack had its best game on the ground, accounting for five rushing touchdowns and 247 rushing yards for an average of 5.5 yards per attempt in the team's first-FBS home win.
TICKET INFORMATION
Get your 2026 Delaware football tickets now by visiting bluehens.com/fbtickets.
FOLLOW ON SOCIAL
For the latest on Delaware football, follow the Fightin' Blue Hens on X, Instagram, and like on Facebook.
Players Mentioned
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