By Danielle Daniels

Fifth-year senior linebacker is a captain and Block “O” recipient

COLUMBUS, Ohio – Ohio State fifth-year senior linebacker Cody Simon is one of 52 members of the eighth annual Jason Witten Collegiate Man of the Year Watch List, which was announced today. The student-athletes, nominated by their schools, have all demonstrated a record of leadership by exhibiting exceptional courage, integrity and sportsmanship both on and off the field.

Twenty semifinalists will be announced in late October. From there, three finalists will be named for the award on Monday, December 16 and the winner will be announced at the award ceremony at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, on February 12, 2025.

The award is the first to focus primarily on leadership, both on and off the field. And that is where Simon shines. While he’s a steady, consistent and valuable player – his 44 career games played at middle linebacker and 154 tackles are a testament to that – Simon has impacted the Buckeyes in ways off the field that are easy to identify.

In August, Simon was given one of the most significant honors that the Ohio State program can bestow: He was selected by the coaching staff to wear the Block “O” this season. On the same day, Simon was selected as one of three captains for the 2024 Buckeyes and was also the leading vote-getter amongst his teammates.

After missing the season’s opening game versus Akron, Simon returned the following week against Central Michigan and recorded three tackles and a sack in a 56-0 shutout of the Broncos. Linebackers coach James Laurinaitis has called Simon the “unquestioned leader of the group. He’s the leader of the defense.”

And what a unit it’s been. In 2024, the Buckeyes finish with the nation’s No. 3 overall defense. The unit was No. 1 against the pass, No. 2 in fewest points given up per game and No. 29 against the run. Through three games this season, Ohio State is No. 2 in total defense, No. 4 in scoring defense, No. 7 in rushing defense and No. 5 against the pass.

COURTESY OHIO STATE ATHLETIC COMMUNICATIONS