CANTON, Ga. – Trinity University football All-American Caleb Bayer (Grandview, Texas / Grandview) has been named the Southern Athletic Association Man of the Year for the 2025-26 school year, becoming the first Tiger student-athlete to receive the highest individual honor awarded by the conference.

This award is the latest in a mountain of awards received by the recent Trinity graduate, putting an exclamation point on his career as one of the most decorated Tiger football players in school history. Bayer earned his neuroscience degree this spring, following another successful fall season of Trinity football, leading the team to a 10-2 overall record and a fifth straight appearance in the NCAA Playoffs. The Tigers advanced to the third round of the postseason for the first time since 2002.

Bayer received the Rimington Trophy as the top center in Division III this season, picking up First Team All-America honors from the American Football Coaches Association, the Associated Press, and D3football.com. In addition to earning First Team All-SAA honors, he was also selected to the Dave Campbell's Texas Football Non-FBS All-Texas First Team.

Off the field, Bayer's accolades are just as impressive as his achievements on it. He was also a College Sports Communications First Team Academic All-American® after earning his third straight Academic All-District® award. Bayer was an AFCA Good Works Team and NFF Campbell Trophy nominee who was also named to the NFF Hampshire Honor Society.

Bayer logged 100 hours of volunteer work with Corazon Ministries Clinic, providing care and assistance to homeless and addicted populations throughout San Antonio. Working alongside medical professionals, he helped conduct health evaluations, take patient vitals, distribute prescription medications, and provide wound care to individuals in need. He also participated in outreach efforts that delivered food, clothing, and clean needles to homeless encampments. In addition, Bayer volunteered with SNIPSA, assisting with pet adoption events and helping connect rescued dogs and cats with prospective families. On campus, he played an active role in the Bengal Lancer Fraternity, organizing philanthropy initiatives that raised funds for the Pat Tillman Foundation and strengthened community engagement among Trinity students.