By Keisha Martinez

September 26, 2024

IOWA CITY, Iowa — University of Iowa senior safety Quinn Schulte was named on Thursday to the Jason Witten Collegiate Man of the Year Award Watch List.

Schulte and the other 51 student-athletes nominated by their schools have demonstrated a record of leadership by exhibiting exceptional courage, integrity and sportsmanship both on and off the field.

The Cedar Rapids, Iowa, native is also a candidate for the Lott IMPACT Trophy. Schulte has played 45 career games, including starting the last 31 contests over the last three seasons in the Hawkeye secondary. Schulte has totaled 12 tackles and one interception through four games in 2024.

Schulte was recognized as a second-team Academic All-American, Big Ten Distinguished Scholar and National Football Foundation Hampshire Honor Society inductee in 2023. He is also an eight-time Dean’s List honoree.

Twenty semifinalists will be announced on Oct. 22. Three finalists will be named for the award on Dec. 16. The winner will be announced at the award ceremony in Arlington, Texas, on Feb. 12, 2025.

The award is the first college football honor to focus primarily on a player’s leadership, both on and off the field. In addition to becoming one of the best tight ends in the history of the sport, Witten served as one of football’s most prominent role models during his 16-year pro career. He was the recipient of the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award in 2012, while also being recognized with the Bart Starr Award, Pro Football Weekly’s Humanitarian of the Year Award, NFL Neighborhood MVP and the Bob Lilly Award. All of those honors have recognized his work in the community, achievements on the field and dedication to his teammates and family.

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 last 16 years.

Schulte and the Hawkeyes return to action on Saturday, Oct. 5, at Ohio State. The game is scheduled for 2:30 p.m. and will be televised on CBS and broadcast on the Hawkeye Radio Network.

COURTESY IOWA ATHLETIC COMMUNICATIONS