Josh Kattus named to Witten and Campbell Trophy watch lists

by: Drew Franklin22 hours agoDrewFranklinKSR

kattus-media-day — Jul 17, 2025; Atlanta, GA, USA; Kentucky Wildcats tight end Josh Kattus answers questions from the media during the SEC Media Days at Omni Atlanta Hotel. Mandatory Credit: Jordan Godfree-Imagn Images

Kentucky tight end Josh Kattus is being recognized nationally for his leadership, character, and performance off the field. The senior was named this week to the Jason Witten Collegiate Man of the Year Watch List, one of the sport’s most prestigious honors for community service and leadership. The announcement comes as Kattus was also recognized as a semifinalist for the William V. Campbell Trophy, known as the “Academic Heisman.”

The national attention followed Kattus’ quietest outing of the season in Saturday’s loss at South Carolina, where he was not targeted in the passing game. Still, the Cincinnati native is off to a strong start in 2025, tallying 112 yards on eight receptions in Kentucky’s first three games, with one touchdown.

Jason Witten Collegiate Man of the Year Watch List

The Jason Witten Collegiate Man of the Year award honors college football players who demonstrate exceptional leadership, courage, and integrity both on and off the field. Kattus is one of 22 players nationwide named to the 2025 watch list.

Off the field, Kattus has led multiple community initiatives, including a shoe drive benefitting Camp Horsin’ Around, a Kentucky-based camp that serves children with serious illnesses. Kattus’ work in the community and his veteran voice in the locker room made him an easy choice for midyear national recognition.

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Senior @JKattus giving back — leading a shoe drive for Camp Horsin’ Around, which enriches the lives of children whose health is compromised or have special needs by providing an outdoor camp adventure, 👟💙 #GoodWorksTeam #BBN pic.twitter.com/eK9SCiTZJK
— Kentucky Football (@UKFootball) October 1, 2025

Kentucky’s JJ Weaver was the recipient of the 2024 Jason Witten Collegiate Man of the Year award.

Campbell Trophy semifinalist

Kattus is also a semifinalist for the William V. Campbell Trophy, presented annually by the National Football Foundation to the college football player who best combines academic success, on-field performance, and community leadership. He is one of 177 players across all divisions of college football to earn semifinalist recognition.

While the Wildcats’ passing game has yet to fully hit its stride, Kattus remains a reliable option at tight end and an example of how to represent the program.