LEXINGTON, Ky. — Kentucky tight end Willie Rodriguez has been named to the Jason Witten Collegiate Man of the Year Watch List, recognizing his leadership both on and off the field, according to an announcement from UK Athletics.

The award, presented by Albertsons and Tom Thumb, is the first college football honor to focus primarily on a player's leadership, both on and off the field. Selected by their schools, watch list nominees have demonstrated exceptional courage, integrity and sportsmanship both on and off the field. The winner will receive a $10,000 contribution to his school's athletic scholarship fund from Jason Witten's SCORE Foundation.

Rodriguez, a junior management major from Taylor Mill, Kentucky, is a two-year letterwinner who has played in 25 career games with 11 starting assignments. In 2025, he caught 23 passes for 310 yards and one touchdown, becoming the first Kentucky tight end with 300+ yards in a season since CJ Conrad in 2018. In Kentucky's season-opening win over Youngstown State, he caught four passes for 48 yards and a touchdown.

Rodriguez's commitment to service is rooted in caring for his younger sister, Gabby, who has Rett syndrome, a rare neurological disorder affecting childhood development. This experience has shaped his passion for community service. He volunteers regularly at Golisano Children's Hospital, Easterseals of the Bluegrass—a Lexington nonprofit supporting individuals and families with disabilities—and at Camp Horsin' Around, which provides outdoor camp adventures for children with health challenges or special needs.

His involvement in his community extends to his sister's school, where he spends time with her classmates. Head Coach Will Stein has praised Rodriguez's commitment off the field, noting he "is committed to community service" and "is a frequent visitor to Golisano Children's Hospital where he meets with kids in need."

Twenty semifinalists will be selected and announced on Oct. 13. Three finalists will be named on Dec. 14, with the winner announced at a ceremony in Spring 2027. Kentucky has produced two previous winners of the award: Josh Paschal in 2021 and J.J. Weaver in 2025.