Skip to main content
Texas

Texas safety Michael Taaffe named Jason Witten Collegiate Man of the Year semifinalist

On3 imageby: Justin Wells10/14/25
ut_vs_san_jose_state-7059_taaffe
Michael Taaffe (Will Gallagher/Inside Texas)

Texas senior defensive back Michael Taaffe was named a semifinalist for the Jason Witten Collegiate Man of the Year on Tuesday. 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.

[Sign up for Inside Texas TODAY for $1 and get the BEST Longhorns coverage!]

Last season, former UT center Jake Majors was selected to the watch list. Former Texas quarterback Sam Ehlinger was named the Jason Witten Collegiate Man of the Year in 2021.

Taaffe, a fifth-year senior, has played in 49 career games with 32 starts and has also been named to the 2025 Allstate AFCA Good Works Team, earning semifinalist status for the Allstate Wuerffel Trophy.

Taaffe has been exceptional in his work in the community, most notably working with Texas Against Fentanyl, an organization that raises awareness and provides resources and advocacy for prevention and education about fentanyl. In addition, he has partnered with Crime Stoppers of Houston’s Million for Million Campaign that raises awareness about the dangers of fentanyl. Taaffe has also recorded and promoted a PSA for SoberRides.org from the Texas Department of Transportation, along with participating in numerous other service activities and youth speaking events.

A preseason First-Team All-SEC honoree, Taaffe was placed on preseason watch lists for the Bronko Nagurski Trophy, Jim Thorpe Award and Lott IMPACT Trophy. He returns to the UT defense after garnering second-team All-America recognition from the Associated Press in 2024.

The Austin, Texas, product and former walk-on is Texas’ leading tackler through six games, totaling 41 tackles (23 solo), one interception and one sack. The defensive back compiled nine tackles (two solo) in the season opener at No. 3/2 Ohio State (Aug. 30) before turning in an eight-tackle (seven solo) performance in Texas’ home opener vs. San Jose State (Sept. 6). He tallied six tackles (four solo) against UTEP (Sept. 13) and recorded two tackles (one solo) vs. Sam Houston (Sept. 20). He recorded seven tackles (two solo) and grabbed an interception – his first of the season and sixth career – at Florida (Oct. 4). This past Saturday against Oklahoma (Oct. 11), he racked up nine tackles (seven solo) and a sack for a loss of 10 yards. 

Three finalists will be named for the award on Monday, December 16. The winner will be announced at the award ceremony at The Star in Frisco, Texas, on April 16, 2026.

Up next, Taaffe and the Longhorns are back on the road to face the Kentucky Wildcats at 6 p.m. CT Saturday, Oct. 18, at Kroger Field in Lexington, Ky. The game will broadcast on ESPN with Dave Flemming (play-by-play), Brock Osweiler (analyst) and Stormy Buonantony (sideline).

You may also like