TUCSON, Ariz. — Arizona Football defensive back Genesis Smith has been selected to the Jason Witten Collegiate Man of the Year watch list, the organization announced today.

The award, in its ninth year, is presented annually to the FBS college football player who has demonstrated a record of leadership by exhibiting exceptional courage, integrity and sportsmanship both on and off the field.

Smith, a junior, has established himself as a leader in the locker room and the Tucson community during his time with the Wildcats. On the field, Smith is a leader in the Wildcats secondary and currently ties for the team lead with 26 tackles while pacing the team with five pass breakups. Across two-plus seasons and 29 games played, Smith has tallied 113 tackles, five interceptions, and 11 pass breakups. 

In the community, the Wildcats team captain has given back through the Genesis Smith Foundation and initiatvies such as Christmas Cats and the R.I.S.E. Camp.

Twenty semifinalists will be selected by a by a subset of the Jason Witten Collegiate Man of the Year Selection Committee and announced on Tues., October 14. Three finalists will then be named for the award on Monday, December 15. The winner will be announced at the award ceremony at The Star in Frisco, Texas, on April 16, 2026.

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.

Smith and the Wildcats are back in action this Saturday afternoon at Arizona Stadium to take on the Oklahoma State Cowboys. Tickets are available for purchase here.