Jordan Shipp Named Witten Award Semifinalist

The Tar Heels wide receiver is one of 20 college football players selected for the national honor.

Updated on Oct. 21, 2026 in Football

Jordan Shipp Named Witten Award Semifinalist

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University of North Carolina wide receiver Jordan Shipp has been named a semifinalist for the Jason Witten Collegiate Man of the Year Award. The honor recognizes college football players who demonstrate exceptional leadership through sportsmanship, courage, and integrity.

Why it matters

The award highlights athletes who balance high-level performance on the field with extensive commitment to community service. Shipp has dedicated time to organizations including TABLE, Habitat for Humanity, and UNC Children's Hospital.

Shipp recorded 60 receptions for 671 yards in 2025 and has tallied 33 catches for 441 yards during the first six games of the 2026 season. He is one of 20 players named to the current semifinalist list.

The players

Jordan Shipp

He is a wide receiver for the University of North Carolina football team.

The details

Beyond his athletic contributions, Shipp earned a 2026 ACC Top Six for Service Award and serves as a nominee for the Allstate AFCA Good Works Team. He is also currently listed on the Allstate Wuerffel Trophy Watch List.

Wednesday, October 2026: The semifinalist list was revealed.
December 15, 2026: Three finalists for the award will be announced.
March 11, 2027: The award ceremony takes place at AT&T Stadium.

Season Trajectory

Shipp follows in the footsteps of Kaimon Rucker, who was a finalist for the award in 2024, maintaining a high standard for leadership within the UNC program. This recognition highlights his role as a key contributor to the team while balancing significant off-field volunteer efforts.

Shipp has secured 33 catches and 441 yards through the first six games of the 2026 season. His recognition as a semifinalist reflects his high usage rate in the Tar Heels' offense while maintaining his commitment to charitable work.

The takeaway

This recognition underscores the importance of community engagement alongside athletic success in collegiate sports. Athletes like Shipp demonstrate that service to organizations like the SECU Family House remains a core component of the modern student-athlete experience.

What happens next

The selection committee will announce the three finalists for the Jason Witten Collegiate Man of the Year Award on December 15, 2026, followed by an award ceremony at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, on March 11, 2027.