SJSU’s Apalit-Williams Named to the 2025 Jason Witten Collegiate Man of the Year Watch Checklist – SJSU Athletics – Official Athletics Web site

DALLAS – San José State defensive back Jalen Apalit-Williams has been named to the watch list for the 2025 Jason Witten Collegiate Man of the Year Award, announced by the award’s selection committee on Tuesday.

Apalit-Williams is among 67 of the nation’s top college football leaders recognized for their outstanding leadership, courage, integrity, and sportsmanship on and off the field.

The veteran safety was named a captain for the Spartans for the 2025 season and has 26 tackles, an interception, two pass breakups, and one fumble recovery this season.

“It is an incredible honor to announce this group of young men as the watch list for the Collegiate Man of the Year,” said Witten. “These student-athletes have all demonstrated exceptional leadership, often in the face of adversity, and are perfect examples of what the sport of college football is all about.”

The Jason Witten Collegiate Man of the Year is the first college football honor to focus primarily on a player’s leadership. Twenty semifinalists will be announced on October 14, followed by three finalists on December 15. The winner will be honored at a ceremony on April 16, 2026, at The Star in Frisco, Texas. The award also includes a $10,000 contribution from Jason Witten’s SCORE Foundation to the recipient’s school athletic scholarship fund

Apalit-Williams’ selection continues San José State’s tradition of excellence both on and off the field, underscoring the program’s dedication to developing leaders who make a difference in their communities.

Jalen Apalit-Williams, DB, Redshirt Senior, Martinez, Calif./Las Lomas HS

• Academic All-Mountain West (2022, 23, 24)
• Nominated for Allstate AFCA Good Works Team (2024)
• Finished 2024 season with a career-high 18 tackles, one tackle for loss, one sack, and one interception

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