Ohio State senior linebacker Cody Simon was named to the Jason Witten Man of the Year Watch list on Thursday.
Simon is one of 52 players on the watch list, which will get narrowed down to 20 players in late October before three finalists are named on December 16 and a winner is ultimately announced on February 12, 2025. Each player on the list has demonstrated a record of leadership by exhibiting exceptional courage, integrity, and sportsmanship both on and off the field.
As the team’s block “O” recipient and one of three team captains, it should come as no surprise that Simon was the player Ohio State nominated for the recognition.
Simon wasn’t a starter behind future NFL linebackers Tommy Eichenberg and Steele Chambers, but he received plenty of playing time behind them, totaling 57 tackles in 13 games played.
As the starting Mike linebacker this season, Simon has grown into a leadership position not just for the defense but for the team as a whole. After missing the first game of the season with an injury, Simon has also led by example in two games, recording seven total tackles and a sack.
