University of North Carolina Athletics
October 21, 2026 | Football
DALLAS – Junior wide receiver Jordan Shipp is one of 20 semifinalists for the 10th annual Jason Witten Collegiate Man of the Year Award, as announced by the selection committee Wednesday. Â
The award is named after 11-time NFL Pro Bowler Jason Witten and recognizes leadership, integrity and sportsmanship on and off the field.Â
A two-time team captain for the Tar Heels, Shipp has appeared in 30 games during his UNC career, earning a starting role in 2025. He has recorded 33 receptions for 441 yards and one touchdown in 2026. He was the Tar Heels' leading receiver in 2025 with 60 catches for 671 yards and six touchdowns, earning All-ACC Honorable Mention honors.Â
In addition to his on-field performance, Shipp is a standout leader in the community. He was a 2026 ACC Top Six for Service Award recipient, an Allstate AFCA Good Works Team nominee and an Allstate Wuerffel Trophy Watch List addition.Â
Shipp has been recognized for his efforts visiting the UNC Children's Hospital, building homes with Habitat for Humanity and volunteering with TABLE, a nonprofit in Orange County that delivers healthy food and nutrition education to local children.Â
The Charlotte native has also served meals at the SECU House to patients and their families who travel long distances to UNC hospitals for life-saving care. Shipp has visited local elementary schools to read to students and helped organize back-to-school drives to provide children with supplies.Â
Academically, Shipp recently earned undergraduate degrees in exercise science and communications, graduating in just two and a half years. He earned CSC Academic All-District Team honors, in addition to All-ACC Academic Team and ACC Honor Roll recognition. Shipp is also a Tar Heel Scholar-Athlete, AD Scholar-Athlete and recipient of the UNC Chancellor's Jim Tatum Memorial Award, given to a student-athlete who has contributed to the university community through constructive participation in co-curricular activities.Â
Shipp is just the second Tar Heel in program history to be named a semifinalist for the Witten Award, joining former outside linebacker Kaimon Rucker, who advanced to the finalist round in 2024.Â
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. Â
