CHAMPAIGN, Ill. – Illinois' senior linebacker Kenenna Odeluga has been named to the watch list for the 2025 Jason Witten Collegiate Man of the Year Award, released Tuesday. Odeluga is one of 67 of the nation's top leaders in college football in consideration for the ninth-annual award.
JASON WITTEN COLLEGIATE MAN OF THE YEAR AWARD
The Jason Witten Collegiate Man of the Year 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. Leadership is a term synonymous with Jason Witten, who, in addition to becoming one of the best tight ends in the history of the sport, served as one of football's most prominent role models during his 16-year pro career. In addition to winning the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award in 2012, Witten also received the Bart Starr Award, Pro Football Weekly's Humanitarian of the Year Award, Home Depot NFL Neighborhood MVP and the Bob Lilly Award, among many others. All of those honors have recognized his work in the community, achievements on the field and dedication to his teammates and family.
KENENNA ODELUGA
- 2025 Allstate Wuerffel Trophy Watch List
- Recipient of Illinois' Big Ten Jackie Robinson Community & Impact Award in 2025
- Founded Illinois' Afro-Tailgate, which gives an opportunity for African students to take part in a cultural experience and enjoy a college football game in a safe, welcoming setting. He has run the tailgates in 2023 and 2024. Last year, he was able to sponsor over 60 tickets for on-campus RSO groups; people from his hometown in South Holland, Illinois; and members of his church. After the game, Odeluga joined the group for some good music, good food, and good conversations
- Helped launch the African Heritage Scholarship at his high school alma mater, Mount Carmel, along with his family
- Served a mission trip to Africa in the summer of 2023
- Visited the Carle Foundation Hospital to meet babies and children of all ages who were dealing with various sicknesses or diseases
- Volunteered to help build a garden at the Salvation Army
- Worked with DREAAM for the organization's community service event, playing with the kids and helping with other parts of the event
- Attended the Black Student Athlete Summit 2024 in Los Angeles, connecting with numerous professionals and athletic faculty members from all around the nation, while cultivating fellowship and lasting relationships with many of the 1,500 student-athletes in attendance
- Co-leader for EMPOWER, a student-athlete affinity group that uplifts and provides a safe space for student-athletes of color at the University of Illinois within the Division of Intercollegiate Athletics
- Member of Illinois Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC), serving as a representative for the football program and being able to be a part of various athletics community initiatives
- Three-time Academic All-Big Ten selection
