University of North Carolina Athletics
Hardy Tabbed To Jason Witten Collegiate Man Of The Year Watch List
September 30, 2025 | Football
North Carolina defensive back Will Hardy is among 67 of the nation's top leaders in college football that have been named to the Jason Witten Collegiate Man of the Year Watch List, the organization announced Tuesday.
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.
Twenty semifinalists will be selected by a subset of the Jason Witten Collegiate Man of the Year Selection Committee and announced on Tues., October 14. Three finalists will then be named for the award on Monday, December 15. The winner will be announced at the award ceremony at The Star in Frisco, Texas, on April 16, 2026.Â
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.
Hardy has had a significant impact on the Carolina Football program, both on and off the field, in his four years as a Tar Heel. He graduated in May 2025 with a degree in business administration after just three seasons in the Carolina Football program, maintaining a 3.797 grade point average. He is a currently pursuing a master's degree in accounting and is three-time All-ACC Academic Team and ACC Honor Roll recipient.Â
Hardy has started all four games at safety for the Tar Heels this season, tallying 15 tackles, including 10 solo stops and a tackle for loss.
During his time in Chapel Hill, Hardy has recorded 109 career tackles, three fumble recoveries, two forced fumbles, two interceptions and two pass breakups. Hardy has also served as the football program's representative in the Student Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC), as well as participating in numerous community service events such as Habitat for Humanity, local middle/elementary school visits, children's hospital visits and Team Impact.
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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.
Twenty semifinalists will be selected by a subset of the Jason Witten Collegiate Man of the Year Selection Committee and announced on Tues., October 14. Three finalists will then be named for the award on Monday, December 15. The winner will be announced at the award ceremony at The Star in Frisco, Texas, on April 16, 2026.Â
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.
Hardy has had a significant impact on the Carolina Football program, both on and off the field, in his four years as a Tar Heel. He graduated in May 2025 with a degree in business administration after just three seasons in the Carolina Football program, maintaining a 3.797 grade point average. He is a currently pursuing a master's degree in accounting and is three-time All-ACC Academic Team and ACC Honor Roll recipient.Â
Hardy has started all four games at safety for the Tar Heels this season, tallying 15 tackles, including 10 solo stops and a tackle for loss.
During his time in Chapel Hill, Hardy has recorded 109 career tackles, three fumble recoveries, two forced fumbles, two interceptions and two pass breakups. Hardy has also served as the football program's representative in the Student Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC), as well as participating in numerous community service events such as Habitat for Humanity, local middle/elementary school visits, children's hospital visits and Team Impact.
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Players Mentioned
Defensive Back
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